Question
Hi, I have a Rose of Sharon that's not doing that great.  I transplanted the shrub last year from the front of my house, to the back where there's more sun.  Last year it had some blooms, but not much.  This year, it just started to get green buds, probably a week ago.  Today, as I was inspecting the bush, I noticed some type of insect around the base of the trunk.  They looked like very, very tiny worms crawling around.  They are white in color.  I don't believe they're termites, because I know what those are... I've already had to deal with those throughout my garden last year.  Do you have any idea what these are??  This is the first time I've seen these in the garden.

Thank you,
Michelle  

Answer
Michelle,

The only insect that I can think of that would effect Rose-of-Sharon that fit that description is the grubs of Japanese Beetles.

I would recommend collecting a few specimens and taking them to your local cooperative extension service office for proper identification.

Good luck,
Ed Gulliksen