Earwigs.

Go out while it's dark. You will see the hideous things.

I just figured that out Janet - just before I got your msg. I'm sure that's it. Now I have to find something to kill those blasted things. The spray I used doesn't mention earwigs. Why do we have to fight insects, heat, drought, wind, frost, pestilence, famine, the Four Horsemen???? It is such hard work to maintain a garden - just isn't fair that these little bastards can make life miserable.

Thanks -- I'm on it...

Westy

Sluggo Plus is labeled for earwigs and is safe for pets and wildlife.

One thing to keep in mind when spraying insecticides, if they are not systemics, you have to hit the bug to kill it. Spraying at random does no good.

Systemics get into the plant's vascular system and kill the bug when they eat the plant. The rest are contact kill.

buyorsell - can you recommend a systemic? I could ask at the garden center but I trust Gardenweb more! They tried to sell me something for $54 bucks the other day. Some Bayer product. It didn't mention earwigs. I saw one tonight...yuk. I did put down some regular Sluggo that I use on the hosta when desperate. We'll see tomorrow!

Btw, what works for J. Beetles? They'll hit any day now...but I don't believe I've ever seen them on the clems. The decimate everything else - especially the climbing hydrangea.

Westy