Among the many disappointments of the 2025 growing season, the rhubarb had the life sucked out of it. It fell over, partially from the heat, but most likely because its source of energy—its leaves—were chomped up.

From the gardening forum, there is likely a caterpillar, slug or a worm that is making dinner on the plant. The leaves are toxic to humans but apparently not to animals.

To get rid of it, I dusted with diatomaceous earth, sprinkled cayenne and black pepper (most of the pepper flakes rolled or blew off unless the leave was mostly horizontal. I also sprayed garlic water, which seemed to slow it down, but not stop it. I placed a screen cloth over it in case the invader was flying and landing on its meal. I stopped short of setting the plant on fire but for the risk of a wildfire. Some other ideas were found online.

The voracious insect/animal/demon beast is relentless and every morning I found new holes.

I read in a gardening forum that rhubarb is hardy and can withstand some leaf chewing. However, I think the heat effect reduced its “immunity.” The stalks yellowed, became limp and was therefore not in a condition for selling.

So what is there to do when all hope is lost? Well, this time I gave up. In hindsight, I think an alternative that will work is to cut the stalks early before the life cycle of the rhubarb killer begins. I delayed cutting it this time because of a CSA order that I wanted to add some stalks to. By waiting, I lost them all. [insertar maldición aquí]

Result: Bug 1, CBW 0

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Growing vegetables and flowers is often a battle of wits and will, especially if you are growing organically. If you have a pest issue that the online forums cannot answer, send us a message with your questions (note: zones 6a and 6b only). Include the name and photo of plant you’re growing, photo of the damage and the growing environment, and what you have used to attempt to repel the insect(s). Capture a photo of the invader if possible!

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