Question
HI Jennifer; I moved into a house last year, so I am trying to save what they planted, before I add my plants. On some leaves, there are holes, as if they were being chewed on by bugs. I was told to use soap suds. Do you recommend this remedy?
                      Thanks, Andrea

Answer
Regular dish soap or body soap is probably not the best choice.  If the concentration is too high, it can burn your plants.  If it is too low, it will not be effective.  There is a commercial product called Insecticidal Soap that can be purchased at your local garden center. It is not very expensive and will tell you the suggested rate to use on your plants. It will work for some insects, but probably not that well for a chewing, mobile insect.

I would suggest that you try to determine what bug is causing the damage.  Grasshoppers are a likely culprit, and you should see them.  It may also be slugs which would be visible at night.  Slugs tend to favor wetter and shadier areas and usually attack low growing plants.  It could also be some type of beetle or caterpillar.  Some insects are transient and they may have done their damage and left.  Be sure that the damage is new and that it is showing up on the newest leaves.

Once you identify the culprit, it will be easier to recommend a product. Take a look and if you come up with something, I will gladly help you find a product or treatment method that will be most appropriate for the bug involved.

Good luck!