What's eating my hyacinth?

Hyacinths are rarely bothered by insects but are prime targets for squirrels, mice, and voles that dig and eat bulbs. Bulb mites occasionally damage stored or in-ground bulbs, and aphids can cluster on flower spikes. The principal defense is planting bulbs under wire mesh and avoiding bone meal fertilizer, which attracts burrowing animals.

Bulbs dug up and eaten, or entire flower stalks knocked over; most damage occurs at planting in autumn. Cover planted bed with hardware cloth (chicken wire) pinned flat, or plant bulbs inside wire-mesh cages. Avoid bone meal dressing, which attracts digging.

Bulbs eaten underground; plants fail to emerge or emerge weakly with no foliage damage visible at surface. Line planting holes with grit; set snap traps along runway paths. Reduce ground-level mulch to limit vole habitat.

Sticky clusters on flower spikes and leaves; honeydew promotes sooty mold; flowers may be distorted. Wash off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap early in the infestation before colonies establish.