Pest identification
What's eating my hedge bindweed?
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on stem tips; honeydew and sooty mould; weakened shoot growth
Control: Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; natural predators; usually not worth treating since control of the weed itself is the priority
Bindweed hawk moth caterpillars
Signs: Large portions of foliage consumed; large green caterpillars visible on stems
Control: Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bt spray; note the moth is a natural biocontrol agent of this weed
Slugs
Signs: Ragged holes in leaves and stems near ground level; slime trails visible
Control: Use iron phosphate slug pellets; place beer traps; remove mulch and debris around base
Keep hedge bindweed pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hedge bindweed pests — FAQ
What is eating my hedge bindweed?
Hedge bindweed is itself an invasive weed, but it does attract aphids, tortrix moth caterpillars, and the bindweed hawk moth. Rabbits and deer occasionally graze it. In gardens, slugs feed on young shoots at ground level. Biological and cultural control of the weed itself is usually the priority over pest management.
How do I get rid of aphids on hedge bindweed?
Dense colonies on stem tips; honeydew and sooty mould; weakened shoot growth Insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; natural predators; usually not worth treating since control of the weed itself is the priority
How do I get rid of bindweed hawk moth caterpillars on hedge bindweed?
Large portions of foliage consumed; large green caterpillars visible on stems Hand-pick caterpillars; apply Bt spray; note the moth is a natural biocontrol agent of this weed
How do I get rid of slugs on hedge bindweed?
Ragged holes in leaves and stems near ground level; slime trails visible Use iron phosphate slug pellets; place beer traps; remove mulch and debris around base