Question

Photo #1  

Photo #2   I have 2 bourganvillas that are being eaten alive.  In the last week they have lost so many leaves.  There is a black substance that looks like droppings.  As you can see from the attached pictures, the leaves are covered with whatever this substance is.  What kind of pest is it and how do I get rid of it.

Thank you in advance.  I need help as soon as possible.

Answer
Good morning Mary,

Yes, what you are experiencing is very distressing.

You appear to have more than one condition affecting your plants. Thank you for the excellent pictures. They are extremely helpful.

I think that you have been invaded by the bougainvillea looper caterpillar. Newly hatched ones eat your foliage, the new foliage first, and then move to the older. The waste speckled leaves in picture number 2 are their trademark.

This is easy. Have you heard of spinosad? It is a new controller of insects that is actually organic, since it is derived from a fermented bacterium. It is sold as Monterey Garden Spray. I use it. It works. You should put in on at night so that bees are safeguarded, and you need to apply it several days in a row but it will stop the chewing.

http://www.montereylawngarden.com/product_information.aspx?242000p=f57d7b74-c030

Your local garden store or hardware store with a garden section will certainly stock it. You can buy it in concentrate form and use an inexpensive spray bottle (also at your garden center or hardware store).

Spinosad also controls chewing, so it should work on picture number one. I am not quite certain what is doing the chewing, but the spinosad should help. Remember, you need to use it for at least three days in a row. I would recommend five. It will not harm you, but do apply it after the bees have gone home for the day. Apply it to both the tops and bottoms of your plants.

I also think that you may have some scale. Horticultural oil will help. It will smother anything on your plants. Track down some all season horticultural oil and spray your plants. Make sure you do not use dormant oil, which is too heavy. And please do not apply it if the temperatures are over 80 degrees. And again, apply to the tops and bottoms of your plants.

These two things combined should prevent any further damage and allow your plants to regrow. But if you are still experiencing further damage in about five days, PLEASE write again.

Best wishes,

Donna