Pest identification
What's eating my lemon balm?
Aphids
Signs: Curled, sticky shoot tips; clusters of green or black insects on soft new growth
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or water; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves; webbing visible on undersides in hot, dry spells
Control: Increase watering frequency; mist foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to leaf undersides
Slugs and snails
Signs: Ragged holes in young leaves and seedlings; slime trails visible in the morning
Control: Apply iron phosphate pellets; use grit or eggshell barriers around plants; pick off at night
Keep lemon balm pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lemon balm pests — FAQ
What is eating my lemon balm?
Lemon balm's main pest threats are aphids on new growth and spider mites in dry conditions. Leafhoppers cause pale stippling outdoors, and slugs target young plants in spring. Its lemony oils repel many insects, but the plant spreads freely, so manage it to prevent overcrowding that worsens pest pressure.
How do I get rid of aphids on lemon balm?
Curled, sticky shoot tips; clusters of green or black insects on soft new growth Spray with insecticidal soap or water; encourage natural predators such as ladybirds and lacewings
How do I get rid of spider mites on lemon balm?
Fine pale stippling on leaves; webbing visible on undersides in hot, dry spells Increase watering frequency; mist foliage; apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to leaf undersides
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on lemon balm?
Ragged holes in young leaves and seedlings; slime trails visible in the morning Apply iron phosphate pellets; use grit or eggshell barriers around plants; pick off at night