Pest identification
What's eating my brown-eyed susan?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots and flower buds; sticky honeydew residue and curled foliage.
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
Sawfly larvae
Signs: Skeletonized or raggedly eaten leaves, typically from small pale-green caterpillar-like larvae feeding in groups.
Control: Hand-pick larvae; apply spinosad or neem oil; remove affected stems before larvae drop to pupate in soil.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Irregular holes in young leaves and stems near soil level, with silvery slime trails.
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; use copper tape on containers; trap under boards and remove nightly.
Deer & rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut or torn young shoots and flower stems, most damaging on spring flushes before plants bulk up.
Control: Use wire cloches on young plants; spray with repellent (garlic/capsaicin-based); fence borders in high-pressure areas.
Keep brown-eyed susan pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Brown-eyed Susan pests — FAQ
What is eating my brown-eyed susan?
Brown-eyed Susan attracts aphids, sawfly larvae, and occasionally slugs at the base. Deer and rabbits may browse young stems in spring. The plant is generally tough, but aphid colonies on new growth are the most consistent threat. Deadhead regularly and inspect stems weekly during summer to stay ahead of infestations.
How do I get rid of aphids on brown-eyed susan?
Clusters of small soft insects on new shoots and flower buds; sticky honeydew residue and curled foliage. Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings.
How do I get rid of sawfly larvae on brown-eyed susan?
Skeletonized or raggedly eaten leaves, typically from small pale-green caterpillar-like larvae feeding in groups. Hand-pick larvae; apply spinosad or neem oil; remove affected stems before larvae drop to pupate in soil.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on brown-eyed susan?
Irregular holes in young leaves and stems near soil level, with silvery slime trails. Apply iron phosphate pellets around the base; use copper tape on containers; trap under boards and remove nightly.
How do I get rid of deer & rabbits on brown-eyed susan?
Clean-cut or torn young shoots and flower stems, most damaging on spring flushes before plants bulk up. Use wire cloches on young plants; spray with repellent (garlic/capsaicin-based); fence borders in high-pressure areas.