Diagnosing Garden Pests: Grubs, Flies, and Tulip Damage

A gardener reports three issues: (1) small black worm-like larvae eating hydrangea and gladiolus bulbs; (2) tiny white flies on screens that become off-white moths on plants; (3) tulips eaten to the ground in one bite near the house.

Expert Analysis

1. Bulb-feeding larvae: Many regional soil insects attack bulbs. Take specimens to the local Cooperative Extension (Master Gardeners) for ID. Search "[state] + [county] + Extension".
2. White flies/moths: Description doesn't match common pests. A photo is needed for identification.
3. Tulip damage: Deer eat tulips completely. Only reliable protection is fencing. Repellent sprays are short-lived and unreliable.

Local expertise is crucial for soil pests; fencing is the only sure solution for deer.