Pest identification
What's eating my hummingbird mint?
Four-lined Plant Bug (Poecilocapsus lineatus)
Signs: Round, sunken, translucent brown spots on leaves that look like disease; early-season nymphs (red with black wing pads) feed on tender growth
Control: Hand-pick nymphs and adults in the morning when sluggish; neem oil or insecticidal soap on nymphs; damage is cosmetic and adults naturally die off by midsummer
Aphids
Signs: Occasional small colonies on new stem tips; rarely severe; minor leaf distortion and honeydew
Control: Blast off with water; insecticidal soap if persistent; natural predators usually sufficient on this aromatic plant
Spider Mites
Signs: Fine pale speckling on leaves in very hot, dry conditions; webbing on undersides
Control: Improve irrigation; spray undersides with water; neem oil spray in the evening; ensure good airflow around plants
Keep hummingbird mint pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Hummingbird Mint pests — FAQ
What is eating my hummingbird mint?
Hummingbird Mint (Agastache rupestris) is one of the most pest-resistant flowering herbs — its aromatic oils deter deer, rabbits, and many chewing insects. The four-lined plant bug is the main insect pest of Agastache, leaving distinctive round brown spots. Aphids occur occasionally. Root rot from overwatering is a bigger risk than pests.
How do I get rid of four-lined plant bug (poecilocapsus lineatus) on hummingbird mint?
Round, sunken, translucent brown spots on leaves that look like disease; early-season nymphs (red with black wing pads) feed on tender growth Hand-pick nymphs and adults in the morning when sluggish; neem oil or insecticidal soap on nymphs; damage is cosmetic and adults naturally die off by midsummer
How do I get rid of aphids on hummingbird mint?
Occasional small colonies on new stem tips; rarely severe; minor leaf distortion and honeydew Blast off with water; insecticidal soap if persistent; natural predators usually sufficient on this aromatic plant
How do I get rid of spider mites on hummingbird mint?
Fine pale speckling on leaves in very hot, dry conditions; webbing on undersides Improve irrigation; spray undersides with water; neem oil spray in the evening; ensure good airflow around plants