what is eating my plants? - Ask Extension
I have an established lilac which has lots of buds but they only half opened and then kind of withered. I have a younger one next to it planted last y...
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what is eating my plants? #932294
Asked May 19, 2026, 4:10 PM EDT
I have an established lilac which has lots of buds but they only half opened and then kind of withered. I have a younger one next to it planted last year that looked great initially but now has chew marks around the edges, I don't see any bugs on it. I have a slightly older one with same symptoms.
My Columbine had lots of great buds and greenery and now it looks distressed,
Deschutes County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Patricia:
I believe this may be root weevil damage. The reason you see no insects is because they feed at night. They can also feed on Columbine. I'm attaching a bulletin that provides more information on the root weevil, its life cycle, and how to control. The bulletin includes pictures, which I always find helpful. Once positively identified, you may want to apply any of the methods of control listed therein.
Root Weevils
Thank you for your question,
I believe this may be root weevil damage. The reason you see no insects is because they feed at night. They can also feed on Columbine. I'm attaching a bulletin that provides more information on the root weevil, its life cycle, and how to control. The bulletin includes pictures, which I always find helpful. Once positively identified, you may want to apply any of the methods of control listed therein.
Root Weevils
Thank you for your question,
