Pest identification
What's eating my oriental fountain grass?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on tender new shoots; honeydew and sooty mould follow.
Control: Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap if colonies are heavy.
Slugs & snails
Signs: Chewed leaf blades and tips at ground level, worst on young transplants.
Control: Iron phosphate bait around plants; hand-pick at night; remove damp hiding spots.
Sod webworm caterpillars
Signs: Leaf blades eaten to ground level at night; small silken tubes in the thatch.
Control: Evening application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); reduce thatch where moths lay eggs.
Keep oriental fountain grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
oriental fountain grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my oriental fountain grass?
Oriental fountain grass is an airy, drought-tolerant ornamental with few serious pest problems. Aphids colonise new spring growth, and slugs can damage young shoots and seedlings. Sod webworms occasionally graze blades at night in US gardens. Rabbits and deer sometimes nibble young plants but rarely persist on mature clumps.
How do I get rid of aphids on oriental fountain grass?
Clusters of soft insects on tender new shoots; honeydew and sooty mould follow. Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap if colonies are heavy.
How do I get rid of slugs & snails on oriental fountain grass?
Chewed leaf blades and tips at ground level, worst on young transplants. Iron phosphate bait around plants; hand-pick at night; remove damp hiding spots.
How do I get rid of sod webworm caterpillars on oriental fountain grass?
Leaf blades eaten to ground level at night; small silken tubes in the thatch. Evening application of Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt); reduce thatch where moths lay eggs.