HOLES everywhere!!!

Okay, I did search the forums, and couldn't seem to find a problem similar to mine. Something is eating holes in my plants - and whatever it is, doesn't discriminate much. I have holes in my 5 foot hydrangea bush, rose bushes, weeds, hosta... you name it. The only things that seem to be safe are irisis and tulips, with the thicker leaves. I've sprayed with a pest killer that is supposed to be fruit and flower safe, but it doesn't seem to have helped at all. It's driving me bonkers! If you could give me an idea of what sort of creepy crawlies to look for, I'd greatly appreciate it. (This is my first home, and thus... first garden.)

I live in Minnesota - Zone 4.

Slugs or snails would be my first thought...but do you have a picture of the holes?

I'm having a hole problem too. They are the nicest looking round/oval holes. Several in one leaf. I've found a gold colored bug/snail like thing on the underside of two leaves. Never seen anything like it- it's quite beautiful!! Any ideas?

A safe remedy for slugs/snails is called Slug-go and another is Escar-go. They are made of an iron phosphate that attracts the critters and gives them terminal constipation. The chemical gradually breaks down and provides iron for your plants. We use this on our hostas, a big snail attractor.
CJ

sarv48 - could it be a tortoise beetle? Those are very attractive beetles. Here's a link to some pictures of different species of them... http://bugguide.net/node/view/40795/bgpage .

How large are the holes? Sometimes leafcutter bees or leafcutter ants can make round holes in leaves.

Hey night- I think that may be it!!! I found another one this morning and promptly squished it. Now Ineed to read up and see how to combat them.. many thanks!!

Hm, come to think of it, I did see a white, fat, sluggy-looking thing the other night. I squashed it with a rock, haha! I will try to get pictures, or see if I can spot any critters. I haven't seen beetles yet, but will have to look closer. The holes are all pretty small - about 1/8-1/4".

sarv48 - unless you have lots and lots of them, you probably won't need to combat tortoise beetles too hard. They are a lesser pest: so much so, they aren't mentioned on most pesticide labels. My usual MO is to enjoy them. They are especially beautiful when the sun shines off of them. They look like little jewels.

If you've got many munching though, your squishing method should work fine. They aren't the best fliers and they are conspicuous enough they are easily folowed when they do fly. Instead, they usually rely on their "shell" to protect them (which will be no match for your squishing - hee).

ignote - hmm. Hard to say. Those holes are kind of small for leaf cutting bees or ants, but I can't say for sure.

Here is a picture of the damage - on an old hydrangea bush.
(Note: the dead wood isn't connected - I was trimming back dead stuff that the old homeowner left behind.)

Just don't put the bait next to the bush .. you want to lure them away from the plant .. not to it!

X

IGNO,
Put smashed slug into the Sluggy Files, lol

Could it be leaf cutter bees? They've been at my lilacs, but from what I understand the only real damage they do is cosmetic. They don't actually harm the plant.

Have you looked for caterpillars?