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Rhododendron leaves are being attacked
I'm trying to identify what exactly is attacking our Rhododendron leaves.
Last year around springtime the leaves were attacked and badly damaged with no sign of major distress to the actual plant. The problem is returning already this year and tulip shoots are also now being eaten.
I don't think this is slugs as I understand they don't like the chewy Rhododendron leaves. I have this evening found some tiny spidery like bugs crawling all over the leaves however. Is this mites? How do I get rid of them before more damage?
Any help much appreciated!
ive attached an image of some of the bugs...
Last year around springtime the leaves were attacked and badly damaged with no sign of major distress to the actual plant. The problem is returning already this year and tulip shoots are also now being eaten.
I don't think this is slugs as I understand they don't like the chewy Rhododendron leaves. I have this evening found some tiny spidery like bugs crawling all over the leaves however. Is this mites? How do I get rid of them before more damage?
Any help much appreciated!

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That could be damage by adult vine weevils. They will take chunks out of the edges of quite tough leaves. You can use specific nematodes later in the year when the soil is warmer. Lots of suppliers online.
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
I'm leaning toward slugs at the moment. There's been a few around so I might try and get some bark mulch down to try and deter them.
If it is vine weevil you need to do a treatment because their larvae will be busy underground eating roots so that's a double whammy for your plants.