Prevent Pest Damage to Hollyhocks

I had gorgeous hollyhocks for years, but this year a half-inch bug took up residence in the double ones, beginning with the leaves. How can I prevent pest damage to my hollyhocks next spring? — Sister A.C., Lake Ronkonkoma, NY A number of insects can damage hollyhocks: among them, the hollyhock sawfly, the red-banded leafroller moth, the four-lined plant bug, and the tarnished plant bug. The larval stage may be controllable with Bacillus thuringiensis (BT), a bacterium that produces systemic insecticidal toxins. Other organic controls include insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, but these work only in contact with the insect. If you choose to use chemical controls, ask at your local garden center about specific brands of systemic and contact insecticides labeled for these types of bugs. All of these treatments should be applied when the insects first appear. For safety, always follow the directions on the package. Before using any insecticide, try to identify the insect that’s causing the problem. Bring samples of the insect and its damage to your local garden center; experts there can probably identify or recommend how to best manage your needs. A good Web source on hollyhock insects comes from the Connecticut Agricultural Experiment Station. Go to ct.gov/caes and click on “Plant Pest Handbook” in the left-hand panel.