Pest identification
What's eating my mountain mint?
Four-lined plant bugs
Signs: Small, round, sunken brown or translucent spots across upper leaf surface
Control: Hand-pick nymphs in spring; insecticidal soap; remove plant debris where adults overwinter
Aphids
Signs: Curled or yellowed leaves; sticky honeydew on stems and foliage
Control: Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; mint oils often deter colonies naturally
Spider mites
Signs: Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; leaves appear dusty, bronze, or stippled
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; neem oil spray; avoid drought stress
Keep mountain mint pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Mountain Mint pests — FAQ
What is eating my mountain mint?
Mountain Mint's intense minty oils repel most insects and deter deer and rabbits, making it one of the garden's most pest-resistant herbs. Spider mites may appear during hot dry spells, and aphids occasionally colonise soft growth. Four-lined plant bugs cause distinctive round spots on leaves and are the most distinctive pest to watch for.
How do I get rid of four-lined plant bugs on mountain mint?
Small, round, sunken brown or translucent spots across upper leaf surface Hand-pick nymphs in spring; insecticidal soap; remove plant debris where adults overwinter
How do I get rid of aphids on mountain mint?
Curled or yellowed leaves; sticky honeydew on stems and foliage Strong water spray; insecticidal soap; mint oils often deter colonies naturally
How do I get rid of spider mites on mountain mint?
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; leaves appear dusty, bronze, or stippled Mist foliage to raise humidity; neem oil spray; avoid drought stress