What's eating my parthenocissus tricuspidata?

Boston ivy is a tough deciduous climber but Japanese beetles and vine weevils are its most damaging enemies. Aphids cluster on young growth in spring, and spider mites can brown the foliage in hot dry summers. Deer and rabbits occasionally browse low growth, and birds may take berries but do not harm the plant.

Adults skeletonise leaves between veins producing a characteristic lacy, brown appearance; heavy infestations can defoliate entire sections of the vine Hand-pick adults into soapy water in the morning; use row covers on young plants; apply milky spore (Paenibacillus popilliae) to lawn soil to kill grubs; avoid pheromone traps near the plant

Adults notch leaf margins with characteristic D-shaped bites; grubs attack roots of container-grown specimens causing wilting and dieback Apply Steinernema kraussei nematode drench to soil in late summer; use sticky barrier tape on container rims; remove and destroy adults found at night

Clusters on tender new shoot tips in spring causing distorted, curled growth; honeydew promotes sooty mould on lower leaves Dislodge with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural predators; healthy established plants typically outgrow mild infestations

Pale bronze stippling across leaves in summer heat; fine webbing visible on undersides; leaves may turn brown and drop early Spray foliage with water during dry spells; apply neem oil or a registered miticide; ensure adequate soil moisture to reduce plant stress