Pest identification
What's eating my gold plate yarrow?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on stems and flower buds; sticky honeydew, distorted buds
Control: Blast off with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: Foamy white masses at stem joints; nymphs suck sap but rarely cause serious harm
Control: Hose off froth; no further action usually needed on established clumps
Caterpillars
Signs: Chewed or notched leaves and petals; frass visible near feeding sites
Control: Hand-pick or apply Bt spray in the evening when larvae feed
Keep gold plate yarrow pest-free
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Gold Plate yarrow pests — FAQ
What is eating my gold plate yarrow?
Gold Plate yarrow shares Achillea filipendulina's excellent deer and rabbit resistance. Aphids are the most consistent pest, targeting the tall flower stems. Spittlebugs occasionally appear in summer but cause little lasting harm. Overly rich or wet soil promotes crown rot over any insect pest.
How do I get rid of aphids on gold plate yarrow?
Clusters on stems and flower buds; sticky honeydew, distorted buds Blast off with water; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap spray
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on gold plate yarrow?
Foamy white masses at stem joints; nymphs suck sap but rarely cause serious harm Hose off froth; no further action usually needed on established clumps
How do I get rid of caterpillars on gold plate yarrow?
Chewed or notched leaves and petals; frass visible near feeding sites Hand-pick or apply Bt spray in the evening when larvae feed