Pest identification
What's eating my coconut thyme?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small green or grey insects on stem tips; distorted shoots and sticky honeydew residue.
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap spray or introduce ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators. Avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser.
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on tiny leaves; faint webbing in dry, hot conditions; foliage looks dull and dusty.
Control: Water the plant well and mist foliage during hot spells. Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil in the evening to avoid leaf scorch.
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular ragged holes in young foliage and stems, especially after rain; slime trails nearby.
Control: Remove by hand at night or use wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets around the base. Improve drainage to reduce the damp conditions they favour.
Keep coconut thyme pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Coconut Thyme pests — FAQ
What is eating my coconut thyme?
Coconut Thyme (Thymus praecox 'Coccineus') is a low creeping herb grown outdoors. Aphids cluster on soft new shoots in spring; spider mites attack during hot dry spells. Slugs and snails nibble young foliage in wet weather. Its aromatic oils generally deter many pests, making problems manageable with simple measures.
How do I get rid of aphids on coconut thyme?
Clusters of small green or grey insects on stem tips; distorted shoots and sticky honeydew residue. Blast off with a strong jet of water. Apply insecticidal soap spray or introduce ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators. Avoid excess nitrogen fertiliser.
How do I get rid of spider mites on coconut thyme?
Fine pale stippling on tiny leaves; faint webbing in dry, hot conditions; foliage looks dull and dusty. Water the plant well and mist foliage during hot spells. Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil in the evening to avoid leaf scorch.
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on coconut thyme?
Irregular ragged holes in young foliage and stems, especially after rain; slime trails nearby. Remove by hand at night or use wildlife-safe iron phosphate pellets around the base. Improve drainage to reduce the damp conditions they favour.