Here in my neck of the woods, when entire leaves are missing, it's usually
the work of rabbits or groundhogs, although they usually eat the more tender
top growth first. With holes in the leaves, my first guess would be slugs.
You can check for slugs by going out after dark with a flashlight.

Is there any "frass", small brownish/blackish clumps of caterpillar poop, on
any the plants? Some types of caterpillars can do a surprising amount of
damage.

You are taking the correct approach in trying to identify the pest or pests
before you attempt treatment.

Sue

Zone 6, Southcentral PA


"Paid2fish" wrote in message
m...
I have planted various peppers, gardenias, and vincas in my garden and
yard.
The vincas when first, then the gardenias, and now my peppers. It appears
that the plants are being eaten from the bottom up.
The gardenias and vincas have the whole leaves missing while the pepper
leaves mostly have holes in them. Is this because there are two different
problems (or 3 problems) or is it because the pepper leaves are so much
bigger?
Can anyone tell me what this is? How do I take care of it? Thanks in
advance
--

Ed