I forgot to say that they are eating the petals off before the flowers get a chance to bloom.... UGh! So all I have left are the centers.

If they eat little holes all over the leaves and petals, you could have flea beetles. Flea beetles if you have them will jump around when you shake the plants. Little and black.

Also Japanese Beetles are small and kindof black (irredescent). They are eating my crepe myrtles and my clemtis.

Dina

I have the same little pests on my collard greens and stock. I found this website (among others) that give extensive information on them but no natural remedies. If anyone finds a natural remedy for the little bugars, I'd love to have it. http://www.oznet.ksu.edu/dp_hfrr/extensn/problems/fleabeet.htm

I, too, have these little black monsters! They have ruined the looks of my purple coneflowers for the past two summers. Has anyone used beneficial nematodes for these little guys and/or the wonderful Japanese beetle?

I have found that sprinkling some Sevin-5 Dust on plants and soil will kill virtually every harmful bug out there. It is safe to use around pets and even on pets that have fleas and ticks. You can find it at just about any garden supply store.

Sevin is what i use for just about everything also - no harm to anything, including my animals. However, no luck on fire ants, as usual.

I have the little devils also. Took a picture and will probably send to my local extension service to see what they are..would like to post a pix here but can't figure out how...I'm new to the forum.