What's eating my oregano?

Oregano's pungent oils deter many pests, but aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers are the main threats, particularly in warm, dry summers. Caterpillars occasionally chew leaves. Outdoors, slugs may target seedlings. Good drainage and full sun keep plants vigorous and resistant, and organic sprays handle most flare-ups quickly.

Clustered, soft-bodied insects on new growth; leaf curl and sticky honeydew Knock off with water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; attract beneficial insects with companion flowers

Tiny pale dots across leaf surfaces; fine webbing under leaves in dry heat Spray undersides with neem oil or insecticidal soap; improve air circulation; avoid overhead watering that raises humidity unevenly

Ragged holes in young leaves and stems, especially at soil level; silvery slime trails Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants at dusk; use copper tape barriers on raised beds; remove debris sheltering molluscs