Strange bug problem

I'm growing several different strains in an outdoor grow. For the last couple of weeks I've noticed that something is chewing the stalk just under the newly forming buds, killing them. Its not reached the point of panic just yet, but I've seen nothing quite like this on any of my previous grows, all of which where in the same locality. I've sprayed for spider mites ( Malathion based spray ) several times and it apparently has had little or no effect on these mystery chompers. The strange part is that they don't eat the buds themselves, just the stalk just under the buds, leaving the buds to wither and die. Anybody have any ideas on this????

If its any help I am in the Northern California foothills.

Thanks in advance

Probably a cutworm. Its a catapiller that comes out of the soil at night and eats stems. BT should get it. But that toxic stuff you had should have too. Keep that off you buds..yuck

that was my last spray before the buds came in. Whats BT?

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bacillus_thuringiensis

You could try a heavy layer of "Tanglefoot" around the base of the plant.

If it was in fact coming from the soil and climbing up the plant then it would prevent them from climbing.

This is assuming the plants are not stretching out and brushing against a tree or something...

Hank is correct..

I got some BT from the hydro shop and have been spraying with that. It seems to be doing the trick, thanks for all the input.

I use einstien oil and a wetting agent at the slightest pest apperance. Kind of pricy but it works for me.