What's eating my tiger lily?

Tiger lilies (Lilium tigrinum) are heavily targeted by the scarlet lily beetle and its larvae, which can strip plants bare. Aphids transmit mosaic viruses that mottle and distort foliage. Deer and squirrels also raid the showy blooms and bulbs. Inspect regularly from spring and act fast — larvae cause the worst damage.

Adults and slug-like larvae chew leaves, stems, and buds, often defoliating plants completely; larvae coat themselves in black frass Hand-pick adults and larvae daily (hold a container below — beetles drop when disturbed); neem oil or pyrethrin spray for heavy infestations; encourage parasitoid wasps

Colonies on undersides of leaves transmit mosaic and mottle viruses, causing yellow streaking, mottled foliage, and weakened growth Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil; remove and destroy virus-affected plants promptly to break the cycle

Snap or browse stems and flower buds overnight, often leaving ragged stubs; whole shoots may disappear Deer-repellent sprays (reapply after rain); physical barrier netting around the bed; interplant with deer-deterrent alliums

C-shaped white larvae eat roots and bulbs underground, causing sudden wilting and plant collapse Apply nematodes (Heterorhabditis bacteriophora) to moist soil in late summer; inspect bulbs at lifting and discard any grubs