Pest identification
What's eating my greek yarrow?
Aphids
Signs: Soft clusters on flower stalks; honeydew and sooty mold can develop
Control: Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil as needed
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: Frothy white masses at stem nodes; minor sap-sucking, rarely causes lasting damage
Control: Wash off with water; healthy plants in good drainage are naturally resilient
Caterpillars
Signs: Chewed or notched leaves and petals; frass near damaged areas
Control: Hand-pick at dusk; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray if populations build
Keep greek yarrow pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Greek yarrow pests — FAQ
What is eating my greek yarrow?
Greek yarrow (Achillea taygetea) is aromatic and largely ignored by deer and rabbits. Aphids are the primary pest, clustering on pale yellow flower stems in summer. Spittlebugs occasionally appear in warm weather. Excellent drainage and full sun in a Mediterranean-style planting keeps this species nearly problem-free.
How do I get rid of aphids on greek yarrow?
Soft clusters on flower stalks; honeydew and sooty mold can develop Spray off with water; apply insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil as needed
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on greek yarrow?
Frothy white masses at stem nodes; minor sap-sucking, rarely causes lasting damage Wash off with water; healthy plants in good drainage are naturally resilient
How do I get rid of caterpillars on greek yarrow?
Chewed or notched leaves and petals; frass near damaged areas Hand-pick at dusk; apply Bacillus thuringiensis spray if populations build