DAMAGE TO MY SUNFLOWERS,TULIPS, HOSTAS, LILLIES, HYDRANGEAS

Question: I live in Livonia. Starting 5+ years ago I started planting a large number of perrienials in the front and back yards. The following problems began with the beginning and are only getting worse.

1. Red beetles are destroying my Asiatic lillies.  Nothing seems to stop them but hand picking both the beetles and larvae and destroying them that way.

2. For the past couple of years deer are now invading and eating almost everything including: almost  entire crop of Lilly flowers, hosta leaves, entire sunflower plants, hydrangea stems and flower heads. I have tried the following to stop the deer: coyote urine spray, soap bars, all kinds of fencing, and most recently yellow nylon rope criss crossed across the garden in different patterns and heights (seemed to work for awhile).

What if anything can you suggest that will stop these pesrs?

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 23, 2024, 5:42 PM EDT
response: Hello Michael, We have many reports this year of lily leaf beetles, xxx. Here is a bulletin that gives you your options- https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lily_leaf_beetle_watch_out_for_this_garden_pest  I am referring you to a wildlife specialist for your second question on deer.

responder: Thank you for your question!   Laura S.      Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources. Replied June 23, 2024, 5:46 PM EDT
response: Hello Michael We have had many reports this year of Lily leaf beetles,  Liliocerus lilii. Besides not planting flowers to which they are attracted, here is a bulletin with your options for control. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/lily_leaf_beetle_watch_out_for_this_garden_pest I am referring your second question about deer management to our wildlife specialist.

responder: Dr. Sarah Rautio Replied June 24, 2024, 10:33 AM EDT
response: Hi-for the deer issues, I would suggest you move in the direction of planting more deer resistant plants in the long run.  Generally speaking, plants with fuzzy leaves/stems, strong pungent odors, and grass-like foliage are somewhat resistant.  Anything that looks like it could be in a salad bowl, like hostas, lilies, etc, is their favorites.  In the interim, complete blockage is the most effective means to keep them out, such as putting cages over plants or building a deer fence.  Not fun and sometimes pricey - sorry, but shown to be the most effective.  Here is a beginners sample of resources:  https://www.canr.msu.edu/resources/smart_gardening_to_deter_deer https://libguides.nybg.org/ohdeer#:~:text=If%20you%20have%20the%20space,4%20feet)%20also%20works%20well. https://www.canr.msu.edu/news/smart-gardening-with-deer-buffet-versus-buffer-garden-designs https://www.extension.purdue.edu/extmedia/FNR/FNR-486-W.pdf  Feel free to reach back out if you more questions.

responder: The Question Asker Replied June 28, 2024, 4:02 PM EDT
response: THANKS FOR YOUR REPLY. I INVITE YOU TO UTILIZE MY GARDEN IN YOUR EFFORTS TO CONTROL AND DESTROY THESE RED BEETLES RUINING MY LILLIES. I CANNOT KEEP UP WITH THEM NOW. I AM OUT LOOKING FOR THEM SEVERAL TIMES A DAY AND DESTROYING THEM BY CRUSHING THEM.......IT IS A LOT OF WORK. OTHER NEIGHBORS HERE IN LIVONIA ARE COMPLAINING AS WELL. THE DEER ARE JUST BASICALLY EATING THE FLOWERS BEFORE THEY BLOOM. THE DEER SEEM VERY BOLD AND NOW ARE SO COMFORTBLE THEY ARE OUT IN THE MIDDLE OF THE DAY FORAGING.  I HATE TO THINK THAT NEXT YEAR I WILL HAVE TO ENCLOSE THE ENTIRE GARDEN WITH A COVER OVER THE TOP TO STOP THEM. CALL ME IF YOU WISH TO GIVE IT A TRY.   MICHAEL