It's really better to know what you are targeting before you treat. If you'll go in after dark with a flashlight, you will probably find what's causing the damage. Same is true of your seedlings you've planted out.

is there any reason using something like sevin dust would create a problem if used? or is there anything that can be used as a preventative? something broad sprectrum that would deter any number of insects?

I dont think beneficials would be an issue at this stage in the game would they?

It could be birds or bunnies. Without seeing the bite or the villian it's impossible to say. But the most likely culprit is slugs and they can be seen best at night. Sluggo or Slug-B-Gone works.

Sevin dust, which is NOT a mild insecticide, is not effective on slugs and yes, beneficials such as birds, lady bugs and larvae, lace wings, tachinids and robber flies are present at this time in my zone so definitely are in yours and all can be killed by Sevin.

Sevin, preferably in the liquid form as it is less harmful to beneficials, has it's place in the garden but should only be used as a last resort. As morz said, always know what you are targeting first, then treat accordingly.

Dave

Slugs are often the culprit in my GH and I use diatomaceous earth to control them.
I would avoid anything as toxic and non-specific as Sevin, especially in an enclosed space. I usually have a few butterflies that overwinter in one stage or another and the caterpillars do sometimes do some damage, but I would rather move them by hand than compromise them.

thanks all for the feedback. I think you are probably right...slugs also recently attacked my new growth on my day lillies.

Hey, if anyone else reads this...a new question (I know a new thread would help more, but I'm feeling lazy)

Starting seeds in the GH...do you still have to do the typical hardening off? I have an unheated GH and the doors are open during the day and fans are blowing most of the day too. thanks!

Yes, plants still have to be hardened off - whatever your greenhouse is made of it still filters the light spectrum, stabilizes temps somewhat, and blocks wind. Inside isn't the same as outside. ;) Doesn't take as long but still required.

Dave

IIRC, sevin is a very bad-bad thing for honeybees and can kill entire colonies if it makes its way back to a hive. Newer labeling indicates its "adverse effects on local honeybee colonies" but they play down it's devastating effects.

:just my 2-bits: