Pest identification
What's eating my creeping winter savory?
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on soft new growth; honeydew; minor distortion of shoot tips in early summer.
Control: Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap weekly if infestations persist; plants usually recover quickly.
Spittlebugs / froghoppers
Signs: White foamy masses on low stems in spring; cosmetically unpleasant but rarely harmful to this tough ground-hugging herb.
Control: Wash off with water; no chemical treatment needed.
Leafhoppers
Signs: Pale stippling on leaves as adults and nymphs rasp and suck sap; minor pale mottling on foliage.
Control: Tolerate low populations; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; maintain good air circulation.
Keep creeping winter savory pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Creeping Winter Savory pests — FAQ
What is eating my creeping winter savory?
Creeping winter savory (Satureja montana subsp. illyrica) is one of the most pest-resistant herbs in the garden — its peppery volatile oils deter most insects. Leafhoppers, spittlebugs, and aphids make occasional appearances but rarely cause meaningful damage. It is more commonly used as a companion plant to repel pests from neighbouring crops.
How do I get rid of aphids on creeping winter savory?
Small colonies on soft new growth; honeydew; minor distortion of shoot tips in early summer. Knock off with a water jet; apply insecticidal soap weekly if infestations persist; plants usually recover quickly.
How do I get rid of spittlebugs / froghoppers on creeping winter savory?
White foamy masses on low stems in spring; cosmetically unpleasant but rarely harmful to this tough ground-hugging herb. Wash off with water; no chemical treatment needed.
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on creeping winter savory?
Pale stippling on leaves as adults and nymphs rasp and suck sap; minor pale mottling on foliage. Tolerate low populations; insecticidal soap for heavy infestations; maintain good air circulation.