What is eating my vegetable leaves?

First check: examine both sides of a damaged leaf and look again after dark. The shape of a hole is a useful clue, but finding the animal responsible is more reliable than guessing from damage alone.

Read the signs

Small pits or a peppering of tiny holes on brassicas, rocket and radishes can suggest flea beetles. Watch for small beetles jumping when disturbed. Seedlings are more vulnerable than established plants with plenty of foliage.

Ragged holes, missing soft growth and slime trails can suggest slugs or snails. Look around seedlings and beneath nearby shelters at night. Caterpillars also make irregular holes: inspect leaf undersides, growing points and any droppings before deciding which is responsible.

Large pieces disappearing, pecked foliage or plants cut off may point towards birds or mammals. Check for tracks and droppings. Pest species and activity vary with location and season; a photograph from another country may show an animal absent from your garden.

Protect the vulnerable crop first

A few holes on mature outer leaves may need no intervention. A small seedling losing its growing point needs attention sooner. Compare the amount of fresh damage over the next day or two instead of treating every old hole as an active attack.

For suitable crops, fit insect-proof mesh with secure edges and enough room for growth. Choose a mesh grade that excludes the identified pest; butterfly netting will not reliably exclude flea beetles. Check for insects already underneath before covering, and remember that mesh does not exclude slugs already in the bed.

Allow pollinator access when growing crops that need insect pollination. Check heat and airflow beneath covers, particularly fine mesh in hot weather.

Choose a proportionate organic response

Remove identified pests by hand where practical and protect small batches of seedlings. Avoid spraying unidentified insects: predators and harmless visitors also use vegetable plants. Household washing-up liquid and improvised spray mixtures can damage foliage and beneficial wildlife.

If a treatment is necessary, use only a locally authorised product for the crop and identified pest, following its label. Keep investigating if damage continues despite the chosen barrier.

Keep a useful record

Save the crop, date, photographs and protection used in Your Growing Companion. Comparing repeated attacks can help you adjust the next sowing or protect seedlings earlier.

Back to Solve a Growing Problem · Organic pest management guide

Further reading: RHS advice on flea beetles, slugs and snails and insect-proof mesh; University of Minnesota Extension's leaf-hole diagnostic examples.

By Simon Adams · Published 27 October 2026. Adapt advice to your crop and conditions.