Pest identification
What's eating my scarlet bugler?
Grasshoppers
Signs: Leaves and stems chewed or stripped entirely; damage is rapid and can be severe during dry-summer population explosions.
Control: Encourage natural predators such as birds; apply kaolin clay as a deterrent; OMRI-listed spinosad sprays for heavy outbreaks.
Flea beetles
Signs: Numerous small round holes punched through leaves, giving a shot-hole appearance; larvae may also feed at or below soil level.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; cover young plants with row fabric; treat with neem oil or pyrethrin if populations are high.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on new growth and flower stems; stunted or curled shoots with sticky honeydew residue.
Control: Remove with a strong water jet; introduce ladybirds; use insecticidal soap for persistent infestations.
Keep scarlet bugler pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Scarlet bugler pests — FAQ
What is eating my scarlet bugler?
Scarlet bugler is a drought-tolerant western native that is largely pest-resistant. Grasshoppers and flea beetles are the most likely defoliators, especially in dry Rocky Mountain gardens. Aphids and spider mites can appear on stressed plants, and deer may browse stems though they generally prefer more palatable species.
How do I get rid of grasshoppers on scarlet bugler?
Leaves and stems chewed or stripped entirely; damage is rapid and can be severe during dry-summer population explosions. Encourage natural predators such as birds; apply kaolin clay as a deterrent; OMRI-listed spinosad sprays for heavy outbreaks.
How do I get rid of flea beetles on scarlet bugler?
Numerous small round holes punched through leaves, giving a shot-hole appearance; larvae may also feed at or below soil level. Hand-pick larvae; cover young plants with row fabric; treat with neem oil or pyrethrin if populations are high.
How do I get rid of aphids on scarlet bugler?
Clusters on new growth and flower stems; stunted or curled shoots with sticky honeydew residue. Remove with a strong water jet; introduce ladybirds; use insecticidal soap for persistent infestations.