This is the first yr I have ever had any problems with hydrangeas. Beginning mid-summer stems started turning brown, some from the top down, some from the bottom up. In both cases leaves wilted and fell off. All the'Nikko' are affected, but not 'Bailmer' or another rebloomer.

I talked with Jim Jacoby, pathologist at BBG, thinking it was a disease. He told me it was an insect larvae inside the canes & to cut off the affected stems & destroy or put in the garbage. When I did this, I discovered pin-sized holes in the sides of the canes. This is appaarently not the same insect that bores much larger holes in the cut end of a cane.

I had these when I grew roses.

Has anyone else encountered this problem and are there any preventative measures I can take now to control this insect for next year? I am afraid I will not cut them all out.

I need some help. I have already had to give up my roses because of midge. Thanks for any help.