Question
Portland, Oregon
I went out to check on my peppers and discovered that they all have a small (maybe 1/8 inch) hole close to the stem and the insides have been eaten away.  I was unable to identify any pests on them.  They done their damage and gone.  I also have egg plants in the same bed.  I'm wondering if they are in danger as well.

Thanks for your information.

Answer
Eggplant and peppers are both members of the nightshade family. As such, they are susceptible to the same pests. In this case, it sounds like flea beetles attacked your peppers. At this time of year, however, there is little chance that they will infest the eggplant or do any significant damage.

Next year, hang yellow sticky traps next to the peppers and eggplant. The yellow attracts the beetles and the traps are highly effective. You can purchase sticky traps at most garden centers or through on-line catalogs such as Gardens Alive. If the insects get out of control, you can also use an organic spray such as pyrethrum or rotenone.

A good preventive measure are row covers, sold as reemay. This material is similar to curtain sheers. It is very light and lets water and sunshine in, but pests are blocked. I cover my young eggplant with it every year to deter the beetles from laying eggs. Just be sure to remove the cover after the plants start flowering.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever be of assistance.

Regards,

Mike