Begonias, celebrated for their vibrant blooms and diverse foliage, are a popular choice for gardens and indoor spaces alike. However, these ornamental plants often attract various garden visitors, leading to frustrating damage. This guide identifies common animal culprits, explains how they harm begonias, and provides strategies for effective protection.
Common Animals That Eat Begonias
A variety of animals find begonias appealing. Deer and rabbits frequently nibble on the tender leaves and flowers.
Slugs and snails commonly feed on begonias, especially in moist conditions. Various insects also target begonias, including aphids, spider mites, thrips, mealybugs, whiteflies, and certain caterpillars like Japanese beetles. These smaller pests feed on plant sap or chew through leaves. Rodents such as voles, mice, and squirrels can damage underground tubers or young plants.
Identifying the Animal Culprit
Specific signs of damage help pinpoint which animal is feasting on your begonias.
Leaf Damage Patterns
Deer tear plant material, leaving ragged edges on leaves and stems, typically at heights between 2 and 5 feet. Rabbits make cleaner, angled cuts, often close to the ground, and may clip entire stems. Slugs and snails create irregular holes in leaves, often accompanied by silvery slime trails. Insects cause a range of damage, from tiny yellow or white stippling (spider mites) and discolored leaves (aphids) to skeletonized leaves or chewed holes (thrips and caterpillars). Rodents gnaw on stems, leaves, or tubers, leaving chew marks, and may cause plants to be partially uprooted or disappear entirely.
Presence of Droppings
The size and shape of droppings near damaged plants can indicate the culprit. Deer droppings are small, pellet-like, and found in clusters. Rabbit droppings are round, pea-sized pellets. Slugs and snails leave characteristic shiny, dried slime trails.
Time of Day Activity
Understanding feeding habits can narrow down possibilities. Deer are most active during dawn and dusk. Rabbits prefer to feed during early morning or late afternoon.
Slugs and snails are primarily nocturnal and prefer cool, moist conditions. Many insect pests, such as aphids and spider mites, are active throughout the day, while some caterpillars may feed more consistently. Rodents like voles and mice can be active day and night, but often prefer to feed under cover of darkness.
Protecting Your Begonias
Implementing protective measures can significantly reduce damage to your begonias. Combining strategies often yields the best results.
Physical Barriers
Installing physical barriers effectively excludes larger animals. Fencing, at least 7-8 feet high, deters deer, while shorter fences (around 2 feet) or chicken wire keep rabbits away. For smaller or newly established begonias, cloches or wire mesh cages provide individual protection. Floating row covers made of lightweight fabric also shield plants from larger animals and many insect pests.
Repellents
Various repellents discourage animals by taste, smell, or irritation. Commercial repellents, often containing putrefied egg solids or capsaicin, can be applied to plants or around the garden perimeter. Natural deterrents, such as strong-smelling plants like lavender or marigolds, or substances like garlic spray and Irish Spring soap, can also be used. Reapplication is frequently necessary, especially after rain or irrigation, as effectiveness diminishes over time.
Cultural Practices
Maintaining a healthy garden environment through cultural practices makes begonias less attractive to pests. Proper plant spacing improves air circulation, reducing conditions favored by slugs and some insects. Removing weeds and garden debris eliminates hiding spots for slugs and snails. Proper watering, by avoiding excessively wet soil, deters fungus gnats and prevents conditions conducive to some pests. Choosing begonia varieties with waxy or fuzzy leaves may offer some resistance to deer.
Are Begonias Toxic to Animals
Begonias contain substances that can be irritating or toxic if ingested by animals. The plant contains soluble calcium oxalate crystals, with higher concentrations in the roots and tubers. Ingestion of these crystals causes immediate irritation upon contact with the mouth and throat.
Common symptoms include excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. While ingestion is rarely fatal due to the immediate irritation that typically prevents animals from consuming large quantities, serious cases can occur, especially if a significant amount of the tuber is eaten. If a pet or other animal is suspected of ingesting begonia and showing symptoms, contacting a veterinarian is advisable.