What’s Eating My Hydrangea Leaves? (And How to Get Rid of Them)

What’s Eating My Hydrangea Leaves?

Hydrangeas are a popular choice for gardens and landscapes, but they can be susceptible to a variety of pests and diseases. One of the most common problems is leaf damage caused by insects. In this article, we’ll take a look at some of the most common insects that eat hydrangea leaves, and we’ll discuss how to identify and control them.

We’ll also provide some tips on how to prevent insect damage to your hydrangeas. By following these tips, you can help keep your hydrangeas healthy and beautiful all season long.

Hydrangeas are beautiful flowering plants that are popular in gardens all over the world. However, these plants can be susceptible to a variety of pests, which can damage the leaves and flowers. If you notice that your hydrangeas are being eaten, it’s important to identify the pest so that you can take steps to control it.

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This article will discuss the most common hydrangea leaf pests, as well as the signs of damage that they can cause. We’ll also provide tips on how to control these pests so that your hydrangeas can stay healthy and beautiful.

Common Hydrangea Leaf Pests

The following are some of the most common pests that can damage hydrangea leaves:

• Aphids
• Japanese beetles
• Lace bugs
• Snails and slugs
• Spider mites
• Thrips
• Whiteflies

Aphids

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap of plants. They can be found in a variety of colors, including green, black, white, and pink. Aphids are typically found on the undersides of leaves, where they suck sap from the plant. This can cause the leaves to wilt, turn yellow, or even fall off.

Japanese beetles

Japanese beetles are large, metallic-green beetles that are native to Asia. They were first introduced to the United States in the early 1900s, and they have since become a major pest of many plants, including hydrangeas. Japanese beetles feed on the leaves of hydrangeas, causing them to wilt and turn brown.

Lace bugs

Lace bugs are small, delicate insects that are covered in a lace-like pattern. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves, where they suck sap from the plant. Lace bug damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or even fall off.

Snails and slugs

Snails and slugs are mollusks that feed on a variety of plants, including hydrangeas. They can be found in moist areas, such as under rocks or in mulch. Snails and slugs typically feed at night, and they can cause a lot of damage to hydrangea leaves.

Spider mites

Spider mites are tiny, eight-legged arachnids that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves, where they spin webs. Spider mite damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or even fall off.

Thrips

Thrips are small, slender insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically found on the leaves and flowers of plants. Thrips damage can cause the leaves to turn brown, and it can also lead to the death of flowers.

Whiteflies

Whiteflies are small, winged insects that feed on the sap of plants. They are typically found on the undersides of leaves, where they form colonies. Whitefly damage can cause the leaves to turn yellow, wilt, or even fall off.

Signs of Hydrangea Leaf Damage

If your hydrangeas are being eaten by pests, you may notice the following signs of damage:

• Leaves with holes or ragged edges
• Leaves that are wilted or yellowing
• Leaves that are covered in a sticky substance
• Leaves that are infested with insects

Controlling Hydrangea Leaf Pests

There are a number of ways to control hydrangea leaf pests, including:

• Handpicking: If you have a small number of pests, you can simply handpick them off of the plants. This is the most effective way to control pests, but it can be time-consuming.
• Spraying with insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control a variety of pests, including aphids, Japanese beetles, lace bugs, and thrips. Insecticidal soap can be purchased on Amazon at most garden centers.
• Using horticultural oil: Horticultural oil is a type of oil that can be used to smother pests. It is effective against a variety of pests, including aphids, Japanese beetles, and lace bugs.
• Applying a systemic insecticide: Systemic insecticides are absorbed by the plant and then distributed throughout the plant’s tissues. This makes them effective against pests that feed on the leaves, stems, and roots of plants.
• Using a biological control: Biological controls are natural predators of pests. They can be used to control a variety of pests, including aphids, Japanese beetles, lace bugs, and thrips.

Preventing Hydrangea Leaf Pests

The best way to prevent hydrangea leaf pests is to take steps to make your plants less attractive to them. Here are a few tips:

• Plant hydrangeas in a sheltered location, away from direct sunlight.
• Mulch around the base of the plants to help keep the soil moist and cool.
• Water the plants regularly, especially during hot and dry weather.
• Prune the plants to encourage air circulation.

By following these tips, you can help to keep your hydrangeas healthy and pest-free.

How to Control Hydrangea Leaf Pests

Once you have identified the pest that is eating your hydrangea leaves, you can take steps to control it. Here are a few tips:

• Handpicking insects is the most effective way to control small infestations of insects. Simply pick off the insects and drop them into a bucket of soapy water.
• Using insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to control a variety of insect pests. Simply spray the plants with the soapy water, making sure to cover all of the leaves.
• Applying horticultural oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control a variety of pests, including aphids,
  

  What’s Eating My Hydrangea Leaves?

If you suspect that your hydrangeas are being damaged by pests, you can take steps to control them. Here are some tips:

• Inspect your hydrangeas regularly for signs of pests.
• Prune away any damaged leaves or branches.
• Use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil to kill pests.
• Introduce natural predators, such as ladybugs or lacewings, to help control pest populations.

By following these tips, you can help to protect your hydrangeas and keep them healthy.

Author Profile

Kelsey Hammons

I was born and raised in the fabulous state of Maryland but recently decided to pack up my stuff and move to the Midwest city they call Chicago.

I hope to capture all of my life’s adventures of living in the windy city. AKA the food I cook, my journey to the Chicago Marathon, the books I read and the trashy TV shows I watch. I’m a health-nut, book-worm and exercise fiend.

Join me, Kelsey, on this exciting journey as I embrace the challenges and joys of my new life in Chicago. From mastering the art of healthy cooking to hitting the pavement for marathon training, my blog is a window into my world of self-discovery and fun.

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