Pest identification
What's eating my hoary mountain mint?
Four-lined plant bugs
Signs: Scattered round, sunken tan or brown spots on upper leaf surface in spring
Control: Insecticidal soap on nymphs; remove overwintering debris; tolerate minor cosmetic damage
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew; soft-bodied insects clustered on stem tips
Control: Blast with water; insecticidal soap if needed; beneficial insects usually resolve outbreaks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing and bronze stippling on leaves during hot, dry weather
Control: Increase watering frequency; neem oil; avoid overhead-watering in the heat of the day
Keep hoary mountain mint pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hoary Mountain Mint pests — FAQ
What is eating my hoary mountain mint?
Hoary Mountain Mint's aromatic oils make it highly unappealing to deer, rabbits, and most insects. Four-lined plant bugs are its most distinctive pest, leaving round spots on leaves in late spring. Aphids and spider mites may appear under stress. This is among the easiest-care, most pest-resistant native herbs for sunny gardens.
How do I get rid of four-lined plant bugs on hoary mountain mint?
Scattered round, sunken tan or brown spots on upper leaf surface in spring Insecticidal soap on nymphs; remove overwintering debris; tolerate minor cosmetic damage
How do I get rid of aphids on hoary mountain mint?
Sticky honeydew; soft-bodied insects clustered on stem tips Blast with water; insecticidal soap if needed; beneficial insects usually resolve outbreaks
How do I get rid of spider mites on hoary mountain mint?
Fine webbing and bronze stippling on leaves during hot, dry weather Increase watering frequency; neem oil; avoid overhead-watering in the heat of the day