Pest identification
What's eating my fernleaf dill?
Black swallowtail caterpillar (Papilio polyxenes)
Signs: Striped green, yellow, and black caterpillars consume foliage from the outside in; entire plants can be stripped
Control: Hand-pick or relocate; apply Bt; plant extra dill to share with caterpillars as beneficial wildlife
Aphids
Signs: Soft-bodied insects colonise new growth and flower heads; excrete honeydew that fosters fungal growth
Control: Dislodge with water jet; introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings; insecticidal soap as a last resort
Carrot fly (Psila rosae)
Signs: Larvae tunnel into roots, stunting growth and causing collapse in seedlings or young transplants
Control: Cover with fine insect mesh from sowing; avoid disturbing foliage in evening; rotate beds annually
Keep fernleaf dill pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Fernleaf Dill pests — FAQ
What is eating my fernleaf dill?
Fernleaf dill is an Apiaceae herb most loved by black swallowtail caterpillars, which treat it as a host plant and can defoliate it completely. Aphids cluster on tender growth. Carrot fly targets roots in spring. Plant extra so caterpillars can share — they become pollinators.
How do I get rid of black swallowtail caterpillar (papilio polyxenes) on fernleaf dill?
Striped green, yellow, and black caterpillars consume foliage from the outside in; entire plants can be stripped Hand-pick or relocate; apply Bt; plant extra dill to share with caterpillars as beneficial wildlife
How do I get rid of aphids on fernleaf dill?
Soft-bodied insects colonise new growth and flower heads; excrete honeydew that fosters fungal growth Dislodge with water jet; introduce or attract ladybirds and lacewings; insecticidal soap as a last resort
How do I get rid of carrot fly (psila rosae) on fernleaf dill?
Larvae tunnel into roots, stunting growth and causing collapse in seedlings or young transplants Cover with fine insect mesh from sowing; avoid disturbing foliage in evening; rotate beds annually