Clematis nibbler?

Bijdezee

Sorry, I don't have a photo right now but I was wondering if anyone knows which beasties like to eat the tips of clematis buds (large flowered, the President) also making holes. I cannot see any slugs snails or earwigs around. I have been out 2 nights running and only seen a few ants. Any ideas? 

Obelixx

It probably is slugs, snails or earwigs.   They are very cunning about it.

TinyGardenGIrl

I had an issue with my rose buds being eaten clean off. So i looked up youtube videos and make a strong chilli and garlic paste which i put on my buds. It put the pest right off them. 

TinyGardenGIrl

Made*

Bijdezee

Hmmm that's a thought Tiny, might try that. Strangely, slugs and snails are thin on the ground here. I have no idea why, especially snails. I have only seen about 4/5 in almost 3 years and only ever a few small slugs under rocks. Earwigs have been a problem before so I suspected them but haven't seen them either. 

Dovefromabove

Snails hide ... then at night they pop out and shin up the clematis stems (stripping the bark as they climb) and then feast on the buds. Naughty 🐌 

Bijdezee

I think I just found the culprit, a moth caterpillar. I threw him in the field behind us, can't bring myself to squish it. 

Nollie

I don’t have many snails, either and not spotted a slug yet, bijdezee, but I do have problems with earwigs munching rose buds. Best check my newly planted clematis!