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What's eating my bay plant?

Hi! I recently set up a little herb garden on my balcony, and have gotten a bay plant. I've noticed that it's being eaten by something but I can't see any bugs? But each morning I come back to half/whole eaten leaves!

I'm on the third level of a building so not sure if something is in the soil?

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Comments

EricL

Hello @clobe14

Welcome to the Bunnings Workshop community. It's sensational to have you join us, and thanks for sharing your question about what's eating your bay plant.

Seeing as you are on the third level of your building it would be safe to conclude that the source of the bugs is either in your soil or is coming from a garden on the same level as you. I propose using Richgro 1L Beat-A-Bug Naturally Based Insect Spray. It contains natural garlic and chilli to control harmful insects and has organic plant food for healthy growth. It's safe to use on edible crops and it should repel leaf eating insects.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

clobe14

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/44330#Comment_44330

Thankyou for the suggestion! I've used the insecticide you've listed on 3 separate occasions for the same plant since your suggestion, but whatever the bug is- it's still eating my plant! So the insecticide didn't seem to kill it. Do you have any other suggestions?

MitchellMc

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/84437#Comment_84437

Hi @clobe14,

Given the rate at which the leaves are being eaten, it suggests you're dealing with a larger pest. Since your bay tree is on a balcony, snails, slugs, and rodents are unlikely to be the culprits. This leaves caterpillars, grasshoppers, and leaf-eating beetles as the more likely pests causing rapid and extensive damage to the leaves. Caterpillars are particularly notorious for stripping leaves quickly, often leaving only the veins behind. They tend to feed at night, which would explain the overnight damage you're observing. If there's a heavy infestation, the damage can escalate quickly, and you may also notice small webbing or caterpillar droppings on the plant.

Grasshoppers are another potential culprit; they can consume large portions of leaves during the day, leaving behind noticeable holes. If there are several grasshoppers present, they can rapidly defoliate the tree, and while they are generally active during daylight, they could still be feeding at night. Additionally, leaf-eating beetles, like the bay leaf beetle, can target bay trees specifically, feeding on the leaves and causing holes or complete defoliation. These beetles may also feed at night, so they could be responsible for the damage you're seeing.

I think the most likely culprit is caterpillars, and to address this issue, it’s important to act quickly. If caterpillars are the problem, inspect the tree, especially at night, and remove any visible pests by hand. You can also use biological insecticides like Dipel, which targets caterpillars.

The key is to head out at night with a torch to inspect the plant and try to discover what's eating it.

Please let me know if you have any questions.

Mitchell

clobe14

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/107245#Comment_107245

Thankyou Mitchell! I'll try to have a look and find a culprit

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