Question
My abutilon has some sort of pest. The leaves have several holes (all over the place not concentrated in center or edges). Most of the leaves are affected. I have an abutilon right next to the one with the problem and it is unaffected (though a slightly different variety of abutilon). Thoughts on what to do?
David
San Francisco
Answer
Sounds like Slug or Snail damage. The best way to be sure is to check at nighttime, as most leaf eating pests are nocturnal. Slugs tend to like moist shady spots, which we assume is where your Abutilon is located.
The solution is to try picking off and discarding any you see, and using Sluggo snail and slug control to eliminate the ones that come out of hiding. This is a non-toxic product that is safe to use around pets. Slugs usually die within 4 to 6 days after eating it. Sluggo lasts about 3 to 4 weeks and then breaks down as an Iron fertilizer. Reapply as needed.
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