Pest identification
What's eating my pineapple mint?
Mint aphid (Ovatus crataegarius)
Signs: Dense colonies of pale green insects on shoot tips; leaf curl; sticky honeydew; sooty mould on foliage below infestations.
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, targeting undersides of leaves; cut back heavily infested stems.
Mint rust (Puccinia menthae)
Signs: Bright orange pustules on undersides of leaves in summer, turning brown; stems may be distorted; spreads rapidly in wet conditions.
Control: Remove affected growth immediately and bin it (do not compost); cut plant to ground level if widespread; avoid overhead watering.
Spider mites (Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Pale flecking on variegated leaves that can look like natural patterning; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells; leaves eventually dry out.
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; wash mites off with water; apply neem oil spray; improve ventilation around plants.
Keep pineapple mint pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats apple mint — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats pineapple mint — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common pineapple mint problems & fixes
- Pineapple Mint watering schedule
- Pineapple Mint light requirements
- Full pineapple mint care guide
Pineapple Mint pests — FAQ
What is eating my pineapple mint?
Pineapple Mint (Mentha suaveolens 'Variegata') is susceptible to mint aphids, mint rust, and spider mites, the same core threats as other mints. Its variegated leaves may mask early signs of spider mite stippling. Slugs and snails target soft new shoots. Cut plants to the ground at the first sign of rust and dispose of material away from the compost.
How do I get rid of mint aphid (ovatus crataegarius) on pineapple mint?
Dense colonies of pale green insects on shoot tips; leaf curl; sticky honeydew; sooty mould on foliage below infestations. Spray with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, targeting undersides of leaves; cut back heavily infested stems.
How do I get rid of mint rust (puccinia menthae) on pineapple mint?
Bright orange pustules on undersides of leaves in summer, turning brown; stems may be distorted; spreads rapidly in wet conditions. Remove affected growth immediately and bin it (do not compost); cut plant to ground level if widespread; avoid overhead watering.
How do I get rid of spider mites (tetranychus urticae) on pineapple mint?
Pale flecking on variegated leaves that can look like natural patterning; fine webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells; leaves eventually dry out. Mist foliage to raise humidity; wash mites off with water; apply neem oil spray; improve ventilation around plants.