What's eating my italian oregano?

Italian Oregano, a milder hybrid than Greek Oregano, is a bit more susceptible to pest attack since its volatile oil content is lower. Aphids are the most consistent problem, followed by spider mites in summer heat and spittlebugs on stems in spring. Slugs can damage seedlings. Thrips occasionally scar the leaf surface under dry indoor conditions.

Clusters of soft-bodied insects on shoot tips; curling and yellowing leaves; sticky honeydew deposit. Water jet; insecticidal soap or neem oil; pinch out and dispose of infested tips.

Pale stippling on upper leaf surfaces; webbing on undersides; plant looks dusty and lacks vigor. Water soil to raise humidity; neem oil or insecticidal soap spray; ensure good air circulation.

Foamy blobs on stems in spring and early summer; enclosed nymphs drain sap from inside. Hose off firmly; rarely causes serious damage; no spray treatment usually required.

Silver-streaked or scarred leaf surfaces; tiny dark frass visible; leaves may distort in severe cases. Remove affected leaves; sticky blue traps; spinosad or neem oil spray; improve air flow.