Pest identification
What's eating my ravenna grass?
Aphids
Signs: Soft insect colonies on spring shoots; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on lower leaves; reduced early-season growth rate
Control: Spray with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; beneficial predators (lacewings, ladybirds/ladybugs) usually provide natural control
Scale insects
Signs: Brownish or waxy bumps on stems and leaf sheaths; yellowing of canes; sooty mould below feeding sites
Control: Scrub off small infestations with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil in late winter to smother overwintering scales
Deer
Signs: Young spring shoots browsed; established clumps are rarely severely damaged as tough mature canes are unpalatable
Control: Protect with deer repellent spray or temporary fencing in the first season; mature clumps generally need no protection
Keep ravenna grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Ravenna Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my ravenna grass?
Ravenna Grass is a large, vigorous plume grass with relatively few pest problems when well established. Aphids cluster on emerging shoots, and scale insects can colonise stem bases in warm climates. Deer browse young growth in spring before the canes toughen. Its sheer size and rapid growth typically outpaces light pest damage quickly.
How do I get rid of aphids on ravenna grass?
Soft insect colonies on spring shoots; sticky honeydew and sooty mould on lower leaves; reduced early-season growth rate Spray with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap; beneficial predators (lacewings, ladybirds/ladybugs) usually provide natural control
How do I get rid of scale insects on ravenna grass?
Brownish or waxy bumps on stems and leaf sheaths; yellowing of canes; sooty mould below feeding sites Scrub off small infestations with a soft brush dipped in soapy water; apply horticultural oil in late winter to smother overwintering scales
How do I get rid of deer on ravenna grass?
Young spring shoots browsed; established clumps are rarely severely damaged as tough mature canes are unpalatable Protect with deer repellent spray or temporary fencing in the first season; mature clumps generally need no protection