What's eating my creeping thyme?

Creeping Thyme's low ground-hugging mat invites slugs and snails, which can destroy sections overnight. Spittlebugs are very common in spring, leaving white foam on stems. Aphids colonize new growth. In hot spells, spider mites appear on undersides of leaves. The plant's oils deter many insects but do not prevent these common attackers.

Frothy white masses on stems in spring; nymphs feed on sap inside the foam; mild distortion of growth. Knock off with a water jet; rarely causes lasting damage to established mats; no spray usually required.

Holes in the mat, missing shoot tips, bare stems near soil; slime trails at dawn. Iron phosphate pellets; encourage ground beetles; avoid thick mulch immediately against stems.

Green or black insects on young shoot tips; sticky residue; yellowing tender leaves. Water jet dislodges colonies; insecticidal soap or neem oil; lady beetle populations help.

Tiny pale dots on leaves; webbing on undersides; foliage turns dull bronze in dry summer heat. Water the area around the mat to raise humidity; neem oil spray in the evening.