Asked on May 19, 2014
Something is eating my jalapeno plant
+6
I have absolutely no idea what though. I see no bugs on the plant. It's just one out of three plants, too. The poor thing is ate down to the stem, with just a few leaves remaining. I took it inside, but how do I treat pests when I don't know what the pest is?
I'm in Roswell, NM (Chihuahuan desert). There aren't critters around that might eat it, as far as I know, and it's inside a 5' chain link fenced yard "guarded" by 4 dogs anyway. It is just one jalapeno plant - the other three don't have a nibble on them.
I don't use pesticides unless I absolutely have to, but I also can't have my plants eaten down to nubs because something thinks it's tasty.
Any suggestions on what to do when a mystery bug is eating your plants?
I'm in Roswell, NM (Chihuahuan desert). There aren't critters around that might eat it, as far as I know, and it's inside a 5' chain link fenced yard "guarded" by 4 dogs anyway. It is just one jalapeno plant - the other three don't have a nibble on them.
I don't use pesticides unless I absolutely have to, but I also can't have my plants eaten down to nubs because something thinks it's tasty.
Any suggestions on what to do when a mystery bug is eating your plants?
6 answers
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Since you cannot see any bugs it could very well be a bird eating it. I know sometimes here crows will attack something if they think it looks scrumptious. You could give your plants a spray with soapy water (ivory works great) and just take the precaution for simple pests.
![The Garden Frog with C Renee]()
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 19, 2014
- See 1 previous
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Slugs work only at night. You'll need a flash light to figure this out.
![Sally Roesner Fuhr]()
Sally Roesner Fuhr
on May 19, 2014
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spray plants with water and dish soap.
![Ellen Dunlap]()
Ellen Dunlap
on May 19, 2014
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To test for whether it is some critter eating the plant, try a garlic- or hot-pepper based spray and see if that acts as a deterrent.
![Douglas Hunt]()
Douglas Hunt
on May 20, 2014
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I would definitely do the soapy water spray and if that does not work try Douglas's suggestion with the hot pepper spray.
![Sekula Family Farms]()
Sekula Family Farms
on May 22, 2014
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Do you have a photo of the plant?
![Sekula Family Farms]()
Sekula Family Farms
on May 22, 2014
The Garden Frog with C Renee
on May 19, 2014
Sally Roesner Fuhr
on May 19, 2014
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