Pest identification
What's eating my dutchman's pipe?
Pipevine swallowtail caterpillars
Signs: Heavy defoliation; orange-black caterpillars consume entire leaves rapidly, sometimes stripping stems
Control: Tolerate where possible — this is a sought-after host plant relationship; relocate excess caterpillars to nearby Aristolochia if needed; avoid pesticides
Aphids
Signs: Colonies on tender new shoots; honeydew and sooty mould; curled young leaves
Control: Hose off with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; natural predators typically provide good control
Scale insects
Signs: Hard or soft brown bumps on woody stems; yellowing and weakened growth
Control: Scrape off by hand; apply horticultural oil when crawlers are active in late spring
Keep dutchman's pipe pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Dutchman's pipe pests — FAQ
What is eating my dutchman's pipe?
Dutchman's pipe is the essential host plant for pipevine swallowtail butterfly caterpillars, which can strip foliage fast — a feature many gardeners welcome. Aphids attack new shoots, and scale occasionally appears on woody stems. The vine regrows vigorously, so caterpillar feeding rarely causes lasting harm.
How do I get rid of pipevine swallowtail caterpillars on dutchman's pipe?
Heavy defoliation; orange-black caterpillars consume entire leaves rapidly, sometimes stripping stems Tolerate where possible — this is a sought-after host plant relationship; relocate excess caterpillars to nearby Aristolochia if needed; avoid pesticides
How do I get rid of aphids on dutchman's pipe?
Colonies on tender new shoots; honeydew and sooty mould; curled young leaves Hose off with strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; natural predators typically provide good control
How do I get rid of scale insects on dutchman's pipe?
Hard or soft brown bumps on woody stems; yellowing and weakened growth Scrape off by hand; apply horticultural oil when crawlers are active in late spring