I live in the country, and have a lot of deer. But, also have lots of natural habitat fr them. I have been lucky... They have not eaten any of mine. I think they usually eat the entire end of the scape, all the buds.

I did think of somewhere to look, and I wonder if it is earwigs. From the picture on this link, I would say it might be. I have had earwigs every year, but never had a year as wet as it has been this year. Perhaps that has something to do with the level of damage Vivian has. SE Michigan is not that far from Ohio, I am sure they have had a lot of rain too!

http://www.daylilies.org/ahs_d...

I think you may be right and earwigs would be consistent with the clematis damage, too. Vivien, have you seen any earwigs? They usually are most active at night and early morning, like to hide under cover during the day, and prefer more moist areas. Juli's link above shows an excellent photo of the damage they inflict (looks very much like your photo). If it is earwigs, AHS suggests a direct hit of insecticide soap while http://www.livingwithbugs.com/... suggests neem oil plus insecticide soap as a control.

Thanks again for the responses! I love it Yesterday rain and it is raining now. One good thing the water bill will be somewhat lower this year. I rushed out and got to take a few pics this morning. When it drys out later I will capture more.
The smaller of the Day-lilies were being eaten by what I think is in the last photo. Thrips (sp?)and the larger Lilies I have are starting to open...in between rains and Earwigs were in them.

THIS IS WAR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! BATTLE STATIONS

The larger daylillies were given to me from a dear plant friend who has passed away and he is tending the great garden in heaven. I really want to take care or them for his memory.

Plus I am kind of a newbie to it all, even thou I've had a garden most of my life with something in it. I enjoy plants and flowers.
The guy who gave me the plants ...his flowers looked beautiful. The systemic treatments might be why mine looked so good for years after I got them. I had a A-aha moment. That is why the Rabbits left them alone!
Here I was taken credit all these years. lol Weather too was pretty good. Untill last years heat wave and that might of weaken them and BAM this year wet season more bugs and BAM we been hit.

I do have a desire to take this to a new level and appreciate all I can learn. THANKS

You have a beautiful clump of daylilies - and oh so gorgeous with all of those buds!

Looking at the buds, it does look like you have thrips as well. I do not know what the winged critter in the last photo is, though, but hopefully someone will be able to identify it.

I believe you are right - the systemic must have been keeping the insects in check. But looking at the clump, it is obvious that you also take really good care of your plants. I am sure your friend would be quite happy with how much care you have given them - they really are quite beautiful. So please, give yourself some credit!!

Please keep us updated on how the battle goes.

OH MY GOODNESS the picture in the link you sent me Daylily!
http://www.daylilies.org/ahs_d...
All about Earwigs THAT"S it ! That is what the blooms look like only the smaller daylilies were worst... closer to the ground and the first to bloom. I going to get them now! I felt like some of the damage was worst after the night. Because I was thinking of going out at night to check. I looked today they are all at the base of the plants and are sneaking up at night or early morning. I did catch one or two in the bigger blooms. I did a Murphy Oil bath and the ones I could see I hit with Sevin - till I can get it all back in control.
Now to ID the other little black things but I think most of my trouble is The Earwigs.
Thanks
Also this link OldGardener is great cause it answered some of my questions and I will do this!
I don't feel over whelm now. I think I can nip it now.

http://www.livingwithbugs.com/...

I will post some good pictures of my healthier daylilies in the forum soon!

I hope to be all ears! NOT EARWIGS soon

It'll be great to see you post your beauties on the forum! I am looking forward to it

Thanks Woffie for the Welcome and the invite too the Day-lily section of the forum. I am here to learn and help if I can. I will have to stop by and post something.

More rain...we had almost a inch of rain yesterday by my little gauge outside!
No wonder the Earwigs are taken over!

Ergh! Maybe it is time to look for an ark! It is amazing the amount of rain that some people are getting.

Update, we had more more rain this spring and the earwigs, not so much. Maybe the winter beat them back some. I think with me being pro active this year helped too. Thanks again for everyones advice. In 2013! Wow time is flying! Falling in love with my flower garden!

Looking good!

Oh, that is a lovely bed! So glad your babies are doing ok!