What's eating my star of bethlehem?

Star of Bethlehem (Ornithogalum umbellatum) is a vigorous, spreading bulb with few serious pests in UK and US gardens. Aphids occasionally cluster on stems. Slugs nibble emerging foliage. Squirrels and mice may dig up small bulblets. All parts are toxic to mammals, which limits browsing by deer and rabbits, but also makes it a weed risk in some states.

Clusters on flower stems and buds causing sticky residue, sooty mould, and slight distortion Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; dislodge with water jet; allow natural predators such as lacewings to build up

Irregular holes in strap leaves; slime trails visible on soil surface near the plant base Apply iron phosphate pellets; use coarse grit mulch; hand-pick on damp evenings

Small bulblets dug up and eaten; disturbed soil particularly in autumn and early winter Place wire mesh below soil surface; add sharp grit in planting holes; accept that this species naturalises rapidly and replacement is rarely needed