Pest identification
What's eating my the blues little bluestem?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of soft insects on new growth; honeydew and sooty mold follow
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap if colonies persist
Rust mites / eriophyid mites
Signs: Silvery or bronzed streaking on leaf blades; fine stippling
Control: Remove and bin affected foliage; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut browsing of young stems close to ground level, especially in spring
Control: Surround new plantings with wire mesh guards; plant deterrents alongside
Keep the blues little bluestem pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
- What eats little bluestem — the species this cultivar belongs to
- What eats the blues little bluestem — our other guide for the same plant
- What's wrong with my plant? — the diagnosis apps compared
- Common the blues little bluestem problems & fixes
- The Blues Little Bluestem watering schedule
- The Blues Little Bluestem light requirements
- Full the blues little bluestem care guide
The Blues Little Bluestem pests — FAQ
What is eating my the blues little bluestem?
The Blues Little Bluestem is largely pest-resistant, but aphids and rust mites occasionally attack the foliage, and rabbits or deer may graze young shoots. Rust fungal lesions are more common than insect damage. Good air circulation and avoiding excess fertilizer keep most problems at bay.
How do I get rid of aphids on the blues little bluestem?
Clusters of soft insects on new growth; honeydew and sooty mold follow Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap if colonies persist
How do I get rid of rust mites / eriophyid mites on the blues little bluestem?
Silvery or bronzed streaking on leaf blades; fine stippling Remove and bin affected foliage; apply neem oil or horticultural oil spray
How do I get rid of rabbits on the blues little bluestem?
Clean-cut browsing of young stems close to ground level, especially in spring Surround new plantings with wire mesh guards; plant deterrents alongside