Pest identification
What's eating my spearmint?
Spider Mites (Two-spotted, Tetranychus urticae)
Signs: Fine pale speckling on upper leaf surface; bronzed, dull foliage; webbing on undersides in hot dry spells
Control: Mist and water regularly to raise humidity; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; predatory mites indoors
Mint Aphids (Ovatus crataegarius)
Signs: Colonies on young shoot tips; curled, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew; yellowing growth
Control: Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds and parasitic wasps; remove heavily infested tips
Cutworms (Agrotis spp.)
Signs: Young stems cut at or below soil level overnight; wilted or missing seedlings
Control: Fit cardboard or plastic collar guards around stem bases; apply Bt to soil; hand-pick larvae at night
Rabbits
Signs: Clean-cut stems and browsed foliage, especially in spring and early summer
Control: Fence beds with 90 cm (3 ft) wire mesh sunk 15 cm into soil; grow in raised containers
Keep spearmint pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spearmint pests — FAQ
What is eating my spearmint?
Spearmint is attacked by mint aphids, spider mites, and cutworms outdoors. Rabbits and deer will browse it readily. The most damaging and specific pest is the two-spotted spider mite in dry summers. Spearmint's vigorous growth means it tolerates moderate pest pressure, but infestations can spread rapidly via runners.
How do I get rid of spider mites (two-spotted, tetranychus urticae) on spearmint?
Fine pale speckling on upper leaf surface; bronzed, dull foliage; webbing on undersides in hot dry spells Mist and water regularly to raise humidity; insecticidal soap or neem oil spray; predatory mites indoors
How do I get rid of mint aphids (ovatus crataegarius) on spearmint?
Colonies on young shoot tips; curled, distorted leaves; sticky honeydew; yellowing growth Strong water spray to dislodge; insecticidal soap; attract ladybirds and parasitic wasps; remove heavily infested tips
How do I get rid of cutworms (agrotis spp.) on spearmint?
Young stems cut at or below soil level overnight; wilted or missing seedlings Fit cardboard or plastic collar guards around stem bases; apply Bt to soil; hand-pick larvae at night
How do I get rid of rabbits on spearmint?
Clean-cut stems and browsed foliage, especially in spring and early summer Fence beds with 90 cm (3 ft) wire mesh sunk 15 cm into soil; grow in raised containers