Pest identification
What's eating my epazote?
Flea Beetles
Signs: Numerous small, round holes pepper the leaves, giving foliage a shot-hole appearance; seedlings most at risk
Control: Cover with floating row cover; use yellow sticky traps; apply kaolin clay as a deterrent; maintain healthy, vigorous plants
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew and curled new leaves; small green or black colonies on shoot tips
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap; blast off with water; beneficial insects (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually provide natural control
Keep epazote pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Epazote pests — FAQ
What is eating my epazote?
Epazote's strong aromatic compounds repel many common pests, making it one of the more pest-resistant culinary herbs. Aphids and flea beetles are the primary concerns. Flea beetles chew tiny round holes in leaves in warm weather. Slugs may attack seedlings. Deer and rabbits generally avoid epazote due to its pungent scent.
How do I get rid of flea beetles on epazote?
Numerous small, round holes pepper the leaves, giving foliage a shot-hole appearance; seedlings most at risk Cover with floating row cover; use yellow sticky traps; apply kaolin clay as a deterrent; maintain healthy, vigorous plants
How do I get rid of aphids on epazote?
Sticky honeydew and curled new leaves; small green or black colonies on shoot tips Spray with insecticidal soap; blast off with water; beneficial insects (ladybirds, parasitic wasps) usually provide natural control