Vinca Minor Devastation: Not Gnats—Likely Slugs, Plus Salt Damage Warning

Newly planted periwinkle in Connecticut was shredded May–July alongside swarms of gnat-like insects. The expert said: no gnats chew leaves. Damage (ragged holes) matches slugs or snails—nocturnal, thrive in wet summers. Apply slug bait (iron phosphate) in spring.

Also, road salt from plowing kills plants—salts accumulate in soil. Instruct plow operator to avoid salt/sand near beds. Don't prune insect-damaged stalks; energy goes to roots anyway. Dig a few plants to check roots—root rot often underlies "pest" death.