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Spicy exchange / 2023

What's eating my pepper plants at night?

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Nighttime damage

While it’s easy to spot common pests that feed during the day, there are other mysterious culprits who feast under the veil of darkness, leaving behind a trail of destruction that threatens your garden’s health and productivity.

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Free pepper growing guide

Not sure where to start? I've put together a 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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As the sun sets, take a moment to visit your pepper plants with a flashlight. Examine the leaves closely to spot any insects or slugs that might be responsible for the damage.

How to identify what’s eating your peppers at night

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Assess the damage

In addition to observing the presence of insects or slugs, pay attention to the patterns of damage on the plants. Different pests leave distinct marks on the foliage.

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These slimy creatures have a voracious appetite, and young pepper plants are especially vulnerable to their feeding frenzy. One of the telltale signs of slug or snail infestation is the presence of large holes in the leaves and fruits of your pepper plants.

Slugs and snails

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Cutworms

Cutworms are among the common caterpillars that pose a threat to your pepper plants, both during the day and night. One of the telltale signs of cutworm infestation is discovering an entire pepper plant fallen over in the morning.

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Hornworms are another type of caterpillar that can wreak havoc on pepper and tomato plants. These large caterpillars can be found feeding on the fruit and leaves of both types of plants, causing noticeable damage to their foliage.

Hornworms

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Earwigs

Earwigs are known to be fond of feasting on pepper plants at night. While their presence may raise concerns, they also have a beneficial side. They feed on aphids, which are common pests that can also harm pepper plants.

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One of the distinct characteristics of Asiatic beetle damage is the presence of small, irregular holes on the leaves of pepper plants. Unlike Japanese beetles that create a lacy appearance on the leaves, Asiatic beetles tend to nibble at the edges of the leaves, causing a different damage pattern.

Asiatic beetles

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Rabbits

Rabbits, though known to be herbivores, tend to avoid feasting on the fruit of pepper plants due to the capsaicin. While they may not target the fruit, rabbits can still pose a threat to your pepper plants by nibbling on the leaves or stems.

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Deer can pose a significant threat to your pepper plants, capable of inflicting extensive damage by stripping away all the leaves down to the stem. Despite their appetite for foliage, deer are generally unlikely to consume pepper fruit due to capsaicin.

Deer

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Birds

Birds can be attracted to your pepper plants, especially by the bright colors of the pepper fruit. Unlike mammals, birds are less affected by capsaicin. As a result, they may find the fruit appealing and try to indulge in it.

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Get the free guide to growing chili peppers

The "green thumb" is a myth — with the right information, anyone can successfully grow peppers. Enjoy this free 34-page guide to help you grow an abundant harvest.

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