What's eating my calico aster?

Calico Aster's small flowers and fine texture attract a similar pest range to other native asters, though its bushy habit and later bloom time can slightly reduce pressure. Aphids and lace bugs are the main insect threats. Deer will browse it in autumn. Slugs can damage young spring growth at ground level.

Dense colonies on stem tips and undersides; honeydew and sooty mold visible; new growth distorted Dislodge with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; lacewings and parasitic wasps provide good biological control

Silver-white stippling across upper leaf surface; pale cast skins and dark droppings on leaf undersides Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray targeting undersides; remove and compost badly affected leaves; improve spacing for airflow

Irregular holes in young basal leaves in spring; slime trails visible on soil and leaves at night Set out beer traps or copper tape barriers; scatter iron phosphate slug pellets around the base; hand-pick after dark in damp weather