The predominant problem in Hosta are slugs and snails. Leaf spot may also be a problem. Snails and slugs prevail in rainy seasons, but can cause damage anytime. The pests prefer soft, immature growth. It is important to watch for snails and slugs early in the growing season, but watching any new growth throughout the season is advised. Slugs prefer moist, dark areas. It is important to avoid a watering pattern that leaves your plants wet before dark. Sanitation is a major key in control. Finding the slugs and removing them by hand along with removal of debris from the beds is critical. Slug bait is also an effective control. It is available in most garden centers and manufacturers instructions and recommendations should always be followed.

It is heartening to know that the older a plant gets the more pest resistant it becomes. Also many varieties are being varieties are being bred for greater resistance to slugs and snails.

Another insect called the Black Vine Weevil eats notches out of the sides of leaves and leaf petioles. It differs to slug and snail eating, as usually slugs do not eat from the leaf edges. There is a new biological control for Black Vine Weevil produced by Biosys of California. The consumer formulation name is Bio-vector and Bio-Safe.

Rare instances of virus and foliar nematodes are insignificant to date. Good Hosta growers destroy these two instantly and present no apparent danger. Call any other good Hosta hybridizer if concerned.

Commercial pesticides are available to spray for slugs and black vine weevil, but require licensed pesticide applicators to apply because of new pesticides labeling. A few home owner sprays are fortunately still available. We have used beneficial nematodes successfully to destroy Black Vine Weevils. Inquire for further information.

There are many garden store slug baits on garden center shelves that are relatively harmless to pets. Such as Deadline, Slug-it, etc. Always follow label directions to detail!

Another new slug killer solution is using non-foaming household ammonia at a 15% ammonia to 85% water and spraying it on your hostas between 9:00 and 12:00 p.m. This is great for killing slugs and does not harm the Hostas.