need hosta help!!

[bananiem]

My hostas are being eaten by worm/caterpillars. I put down slug bait early in the season and it seems to be doing the trick for the slugs. However, this is the second year for these worm/caterpillars. I've tried spraying Bug-B-Gon on the hostas but that doesn't deter them. I've been picking them off but apparently I miss one here and there.
Have any of you had these and how did you get rid of them?

 

[cgcw]

My local garden center suggested small, low containers of beer to get rid of slugs & snails on my hostas. Since we have a dog and small kids are always in our yard, I have yet to try this method.

I've used the purchased product (Scott's Slug & Snail granuals) and have had a lot of luck using it. I do remember that I had to do the application more than once in order to control the problem. Now, I just sprinkle it around in the early spring and haven't had a problem (knock on wood!!).

 

[bananiem]

But these aren't slugs. The graules work fine for the slugs but doesn't bother these worm/caterpillar things.

 

[Snowwark]

Hi bananiem! I hate when my hostas get eaten, and it seems to happen every year!!

Can you see the worms? If so, they might be cutworms. Check this link out and see if they sound familiar.

Pest & Disease Control for Hostas Check about halfway down the page.

 

[Snowwark]

Sorry bananiem, if you're picking them off....I guess you CAN see them!! LOL...I need to read things more slowly...

 

[bananiem]

Snowwark, I think they are cutworms. It sure sounds like them. I find some of them hiding in the new leaves while they're still rolled up.
Thanks!!!

 

[magicmouse2]

I tried the beer trap and also if you put broken eggshell or sharp stones around the base of the plant it deters the slugs and worms from climbing up your plants and eating them. Hostas are beautiful and it spoils them when they have holes in their leaves

 

[Tulirose]

And Snowwark posts another great site! I bookmarked it and will try to remember to get back to it when I have a bit more time.

I hope, bananiem, you conquer whatever is eating your hosta! Good luck.