Pest identification
What's eating my two-leaf squill?
Squirrels & mice
Signs: Bulbs dug up and eaten; disturbed soil around planting sites in autumn
Control: Plant bulbs beneath a layer of fine wire mesh (chicken wire) or place sharp grit in the planting hole; interplant with daffodils, which are unpalatable
Slugs & snails
Signs: Ragged, irregular holes in emerging leaves and petals; slime trails present
Control: Apply wildlife-friendly iron phosphate slug pellets around emerging shoots; use copper tape on pot rims; hand-pick at night
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew residue; clustered insects on stems causing distorted or yellowing foliage
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; use insecticidal soap spray if colonies are heavy
Keep two-leaf squill pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Two-leaf Squill pests — FAQ
What is eating my two-leaf squill?
Two-leaf Squill (Scilla bifolia) faces few serious pest threats. Squirrels and mice dig up and eat the small bulbs in autumn and winter. Slugs and snails nibble emerging foliage and flowers in spring. Aphids occasionally cluster on stems. Its early flowering period and mildly toxic bulbs deter most larger browsing animals.
How do I get rid of squirrels & mice on two-leaf squill?
Bulbs dug up and eaten; disturbed soil around planting sites in autumn Plant bulbs beneath a layer of fine wire mesh (chicken wire) or place sharp grit in the planting hole; interplant with daffodils, which are unpalatable
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on two-leaf squill?
Ragged, irregular holes in emerging leaves and petals; slime trails present Apply wildlife-friendly iron phosphate slug pellets around emerging shoots; use copper tape on pot rims; hand-pick at night
How do I get rid of aphids on two-leaf squill?
Sticky honeydew residue; clustered insects on stems causing distorted or yellowing foliage Blast off with a strong jet of water; encourage ladybirds and lacewings; use insecticidal soap spray if colonies are heavy