What's eating my creeping lemon thyme?

Creeping Lemon Thyme (Thymus citriodorus 'Aureus') is susceptible to rosemary beetle, which is highly attracted to thyme foliage. Aphids and thrips may colonise soft growth in spring. Slugs can damage low-growing stems. Its aromatic oils naturally repel many generalist pests, but good air circulation and avoiding waterlogged soil are essential preventive steps.

Adults and larvae chew leaves and soft stems from late summer through winter; heavy feeding can defoliate entire stems. Hand-pick adults and larvae into soapy water; check stems regularly; use pyrethrin spray as a last resort, avoiding open flowers.

Small soft-bodied insects on shoot tips; leaves may curl; honeydew deposits encourage sooty mould on low-growing mats. Rub off colonies by hand; spray with insecticidal soap; attract natural predators such as hoverflies by planting nearby flowering herbs.

Fine silver stippling and tiny black frass on leaves; flower buds may be distorted or fail to open fully. Remove heavily infested shoot tips; apply spinosad or neem oil spray; blue sticky traps help monitor and reduce adult populations.