Pest identification
What's eating my rotstrahlbusch switch grass?
Aphids
Signs: Dense colonies on stems; honeydew attracts sooty mould and causes mild yellowing of foliage
Control: Knock off with a strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations
Fall armyworm (Spodoptera frugiperda)
Signs: Mass overnight defoliation of blades in late summer; frass trails at the base of stems
Control: Bt or spinosad applied at dusk when larvae are active; chlorantraniliprole for severe outbreak years
Rust (Puccinia spp.)
Signs: Orange-brown pustules on leaf surfaces in humid weather; blades yellow and die back early
Control: Remove affected blades, thin clump for improved airflow, and avoid wetting foliage when watering
Keep rotstrahlbusch switch grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my rotstrahlbusch switch grass?
Rotstrahlbusch Switch Grass is a robust, deer-resistant cultivar with minimal pest pressure. Aphids are the primary recurring pest, colonising stems in early summer. Fall armyworms can cause late-season blade stripping in warm climates. The plant's vigour means it recovers well; chemical control is rarely necessary on mature specimens.
How do I get rid of aphids on rotstrahlbusch switch grass?
Dense colonies on stems; honeydew attracts sooty mould and causes mild yellowing of foliage Knock off with a strong water jet; use insecticidal soap or neem oil for persistent infestations
How do I get rid of fall armyworm (spodoptera frugiperda) on rotstrahlbusch switch grass?
Mass overnight defoliation of blades in late summer; frass trails at the base of stems Bt or spinosad applied at dusk when larvae are active; chlorantraniliprole for severe outbreak years
How do I get rid of rust (puccinia spp.) on rotstrahlbusch switch grass?
Orange-brown pustules on leaf surfaces in humid weather; blades yellow and die back early Remove affected blades, thin clump for improved airflow, and avoid wetting foliage when watering