Tiger Lilies Attacked: Slugs, Beetles, and the Coffee Ground Cure

Tiger lilies on Cape Cod with chewed leaves, brown foliage, and "little blue balls" at leaf bases are under siege by slugs and/or Japanese beetles.

Diagnose at Night

• Slugs: Shiny trails, irregular holes, active after dark. The "blue balls" may be slug eggs or a fungal growth.
• Japanese beetles: Metallic green/copper beetles skeletonizing leaves. Also nocturnal.

Organic Controls

• Coffee grounds: Get free used grounds from Starbucks. Pile generously around each lily. Slugs hate caffeine; earthworms love grounds—a win-win.
• Hand-pick beetles at night with a flashlight; drop in soapy water.
• Beer traps for slugs (bury cup to rim, fill with beer).

Curling Flowers

Usually a watering issue—too much or too little. Water deeply once a week; don't overwater.

Start with coffee grounds tonight. Your lilies will thank you.