Pest identification
What's eating my spike lavender?
Aphids
Signs: Small colonies on shoot tips; distorted growth and sticky residue
Control: Knock off with water; introduce beneficial insects; insecticidal soap if severe
Spittlebug (froghoppers)
Signs: Frothy white masses on lower stems; sap-sucking weakens individual shoots
Control: Wipe away foam by hand or hose off; monitor but rarely needs chemical control
Rosemary beetle
Signs: Adults and larvae strip aromatic foliage and flower buds, leaving bare woody stems
Control: Hand-pick and drop into soapy water; use pyrethrum spray if defoliation is severe
Keep spike lavender pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Spike lavender pests — FAQ
What is eating my spike lavender?
Spike lavender is one of the most aromatic lavenders and largely repels soft-bodied insects. Aphids and spittlebugs are occasional visitors in spring. Rosemary beetle is the most practical outdoor threat, while root rot from poor drainage is a greater concern than any insect pest for this Mediterranean species.
How do I get rid of aphids on spike lavender?
Small colonies on shoot tips; distorted growth and sticky residue Knock off with water; introduce beneficial insects; insecticidal soap if severe
How do I get rid of spittlebug (froghoppers) on spike lavender?
Frothy white masses on lower stems; sap-sucking weakens individual shoots Wipe away foam by hand or hose off; monitor but rarely needs chemical control
How do I get rid of rosemary beetle on spike lavender?
Adults and larvae strip aromatic foliage and flower buds, leaving bare woody stems Hand-pick and drop into soapy water; use pyrethrum spray if defoliation is severe