Pest identification
What's eating my red bee balm?
Aphids
Signs: Soft, pale clusters on shoot tips and flower buds; distorted growth and sticky honeydew.
Control: Use a strong water blast or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until populations collapse.
Spider mites
Signs: Pale, stippled leaves with fine webbing; worst in hot, dry conditions.
Control: Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil to undersides of leaves; remove badly damaged growth.
Deer
Signs: Browsed and broken stems; flower heads eaten before blooming in gardens near woodland edges.
Control: Use deer-repellent sprays or physical fencing; plant in more exposed, open sites if deer pressure is high.
Keep red bee balm pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Red Bee Balm pests — FAQ
What is eating my red bee balm?
Red Bee Balm (Monarda russeliana) is most troubled by aphids and spider mites on foliage, and by deer browsing the showy stems. Like all Monarda, dense plantings invite powdery mildew. Thin clumps every few years, site in full sun with air flow, and scout early in the season.
How do I get rid of aphids on red bee balm?
Soft, pale clusters on shoot tips and flower buds; distorted growth and sticky honeydew. Use a strong water blast or insecticidal soap spray; repeat weekly until populations collapse.
How do I get rid of spider mites on red bee balm?
Pale, stippled leaves with fine webbing; worst in hot, dry conditions. Mist foliage to raise humidity; apply neem oil to undersides of leaves; remove badly damaged growth.
How do I get rid of deer on red bee balm?
Browsed and broken stems; flower heads eaten before blooming in gardens near woodland edges. Use deer-repellent sprays or physical fencing; plant in more exposed, open sites if deer pressure is high.