Identifying Nocturnal Pests on Bougainvillea: Slug Damage and Control with Sand Barriers

Leaves Eaten to the Stalk at Night

Grasshoppers feed by day; the damage you describe—clean stripping to the stalk, overnight—is classic slug or snail feeding.

Control

• Apply slug bait (iron phosphate) around the plant.
• Create a 2‑inch wide band of dry sand around the base—slugs won't cross it.
• Inspect at night with a flashlight to catch them in the act.

Repeat after rain. The bougainvillea will regrow once the pests are managed.