Pest identification
What's eating my french tarragon?
Spider Mites
Signs: Fine bronze stippling on leaves; silky webbing on stems and leaf undersides; premature leaf drop in severe cases
Control: Increase humidity with regular misting; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
Aphids
Signs: Sticky shoot tips; clusters of insects on new growth; ants tending colonies indicate an infestation
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or a water jet; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies with companion flowers
Thrips
Signs: Silver-streaked, flecked or distorted leaves; tiny dark frass spots on foliage
Control: Use blue sticky traps; apply spinosad in heavy infestations; remove and destroy affected growth
Keep french tarragon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats french tarragon — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats french tarragon — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common french tarragon problems & fixes
- French Tarragon watering schedule
- French Tarragon light requirements
- Full french tarragon care guide
French Tarragon pests — FAQ
What is eating my french tarragon?
French Tarragon is relatively pest-resistant but is targeted by spider mites, aphids, and thrips — particularly during hot, dry summers. Spider mites are the most serious threat, causing bronzed, stippled foliage and dieback. Slugs can damage new spring growth. Because French Tarragon is never grown from seed, maintaining plant vigour through division is the best long-term defence.
How do I get rid of spider mites on french tarragon?
Fine bronze stippling on leaves; silky webbing on stems and leaf undersides; premature leaf drop in severe cases Increase humidity with regular misting; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap; introduce predatory mites (Phytoseiulus persimilis)
How do I get rid of aphids on french tarragon?
Sticky shoot tips; clusters of insects on new growth; ants tending colonies indicate an infestation Spray with insecticidal soap or a water jet; encourage ladybirds and hoverflies with companion flowers
How do I get rid of thrips on french tarragon?
Silver-streaked, flecked or distorted leaves; tiny dark frass spots on foliage Use blue sticky traps; apply spinosad in heavy infestations; remove and destroy affected growth