High-Up Leaf Damage on Dogwood and Mandevilla: Slugs Climb, or Night-Feeding Caterpillars

Slug-like damage (long slashes, edges eaten) on red twig dogwood and mandevilla—high up. No insects found under leaves. Ginkgo also affected. No hail.

Slugs Do Climb

Slugs climb vines/bushes at night, feed, leave by dawn. Look for slime trails.

Alternative: Night-Feeding Caterpillars

Armyworms prefer grasses. Other caterpillars possible.

Diagnostic Test: Tanglefoot Barrier

Apply Tanglefoot paste (not spray/paint) around stems/trunks. Stops climbers. Slug management guide.

Also

Set slug bait/traps. Monitor what crosses barrier.