What's eating my field horsetail?

Field Horsetail's silica-armoured stems are naturally resistant to most pests. Aphids occasionally feed on stems, and caterpillars or grasshoppers may chew tips in summer. The plant's main 'problem' is itself — it spreads aggressively — rather than pest damage. Good air circulation and control of spreading rhizomes keeps plants healthy.

Small colonies on stem tips, yellowing and sticky deposits of honeydew on affected growth Remove affected stems; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage natural aphid predators in the garden

Chewed or severed stem tips; more common in late summer during dry spells when other food is scarce Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bt spray for persistent outbreaks; physical exclusion with fine netting over ornamental plantings

Fine yellow speckling and pale stippling on stems during hot, dry periods; webbing in severe cases Increase ambient humidity; knock mites off with water jets; apply insecticidal soap or dilute neem oil spray; avoid water stress which makes plants more susceptible