What's eating my daffodil?

Daffodils are largely pest-resistant thanks to toxic alkaloids that deter most animals. The main threats are narcissus bulb fly larvae tunneling into bulbs, narcissus eelworm distorting foliage, and slugs nibbling emerging shoots. Deer and rabbits generally avoid them. Catch problems early by inspecting bulbs at planting and lifting.

Single large maggot hollows out the bulb; plant fails to emerge or produces weak, grassy leaves Cover emerging foliage with fine mesh netting in spring to block egg-laying females; destroy infested bulbs; avoid replanting in known hotspots

Twisted, distorted, yellow-streaked leaves and stems; rings of brown tissue visible when bulb is cut cross-section Lift and destroy all affected bulbs immediately; do not replant Narcissus in the same soil for at least three years; buy certified clean stock

Ragged holes in emerging shoots and flower stems at soil level, especially in wet spring weather Apply iron phosphate pellets around emerging growth; use copper tape on containers; encourage ground beetles by reducing bare soil