What's eating my rhododendrons?

[garmcqui]

Help, I've got a approx. 2 year old rhododendron bush in a pot in my garden, and lately have noticed something has been eating it. Can't see anything obvious like slugs or caterpillars.



I'm just wondering what the best preventative action to take is?

Need to be careful with what I use, I have a rather inquisitive 2 year old who would love to get his hands on some nice blue slug pellet "sweeties", for example.

Thanks,

Any help appreciated.

 

[r896neo]

Its most likely vine weevil if this is in a pot.

 

[garmcqui]

Ok thanks, so is there a best way to treat them?

I've found this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/BugClear-U...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=5KPZKS1A30PBJCQ53JK6

and this: https://www.amazon.co.uk/Provado-50...coding=UTF8&psc=1&refRID=Q7BK5S9H5ZW3Q5XS2Q4M

However I am reading a lot online about these vine weevil killers being very harmful to bees? Happy to use them to save the plants, but if there is a better way please do share...

Thanks

 

[JohnD]

provado is a good range.

Don't you have to drench the soil to kill vine weevil? So would not affect the flowers that bees nuzzle?.

 

[r896neo]

Use nematodes, they are the most effective and completely safe for bees and any other type of life.