What’S Consuming My Sunflowers’ Leaves?

Sunflower leaves can be eaten by various pests and animals, including cutworms, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails, and leafcutter bees. Cutworms are nighttime leaf eaters that are hard to identify. Other common sunflower leaf-eating pests include squirrels, deer, rabbits, mice, voles, chipmunks, finches, aphids, weevils, beetles, caterpillars, grasshoppers, and more.

Holes appearing in sunflower leaves indicate that insects are eating the leaves of your sunflower. Check for any caterpillars or bugs on the leaves, as they often rest there between or during feeding. Culprits may include beetles, caterpillars, sawfly larvae, young grasshoppers and katydids, crickets, earwigs, and even slugs/snails. Beetles and caterpillars are the most probable villains, and using a motion-detector camera at night can help identify them.

Slugs are more likely to be the pest, as they cut off the plant. Slug baits can be used to deter them. Ants are likely farming aphids, which will suck on leaves, young stems, and flower petals. Aphids are small insects that will suck on leaves, young stems, and flower petals.

Sunflower beetles are a foliage-feeding pest exclusive to sunflowers and more common in northern growing regions. They defoliate crops, which can be caused by omnivorous loopers, hornworms, leafrollers, or armyworms. Goldfinches, which eat the leaves, may also be eating the leaves. To scare away slugs and snails, consider using copper wire or copper-coated wire.

In summary, sunflower leaves can be eaten by various pests and animals, including cutworms, beetles, grasshoppers, moths, aphids, caterpillars, slugs and snails, and leafcutter bees. It is essential to monitor and treat these pests to ensure the health and longevity of your sunflower plants.