I just planted Zinnias, they are coming up but an insect is eating the leaves, what should I spray them with?

I have the same problem with my hostas, they are getting devoured by something. I live in Southern Ohio and I don't know very much about gardening.

I just planted Zinnias, they are coming up but an insect is eating the leaves, what should I spray them with?
I have been having the same problems. Leaves are getting eaten at night and there is no evidence in the morning other than partially eaten leaves. The culprit: Snails %26amp; Slugs! They come out at night and eat and eat and eat. Wet the ground around infected plants and sprinkle slug %26amp; snail bait around the plants. The slugs %26amp; snails come up through the moist soil (they like it that way) and then eat the bait. This will help around the infected plant but it will not eradicate the pest from the entire yard. The pest is impossible to be rid of completely but you can stop them from eating the plants you love. Hope this helps!
Reply:Never spray plants with insecticide unless they are safe to use with plants. I recommend using something like slug and bug. It is a kind of food that is poisonous to the insects.
Reply:Mix a squeeze of dishwashing liquid and water in a spray bottle. Just before dusk, spray your zinnias until they are dripping wet. The slick mixture will take care of most insects and will not hurt your plants.
Reply:Ortho has a spray that is great for any type of bug and can be used on all flowers, even roses, it also protects your plants against black spot or mildew.
Reply:I have found that Seven dust or Seven spray is a good all purpose insect repellent.





If the problemis slugs or snails, you can dig a hole and place a vegetable can in the hole -- level with the ground. Fill it about 3/4 full of beer. Snails and slugs are attracted to the beer. They fall in and can't get out. I know . . . it sounds like a bad joke, but it works.