Pest identification
What's eating my stevia?
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on growing tips; sticky honeydew and leaf curl; sooty mould may follow
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; blast off with water; introduce natural predators outdoors
Whitefly
Signs: Tiny white insects cloud up when disturbed; honeydew residue on upper leaf surfaces
Control: Place yellow sticky traps nearby; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides; repeat every five days
Spider mites
Signs: Pale, dusty stippling on leaves; thin webbing under leaves in hot, dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity; mist regularly; treat with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap on undersides
Keep stevia pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Stevia pests — FAQ
What is eating my stevia?
Stevia is bothered most by aphids on its soft shoot tips and by whitefly, which thrive in its warm growing conditions. Spider mites can attack in dry heat. Outdoors, caterpillars occasionally chew leaves. Good air circulation and early detection keep infestations manageable on this sweet-leafed herb.
How do I get rid of aphids on stevia?
Clusters of small insects on growing tips; sticky honeydew and leaf curl; sooty mould may follow Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; blast off with water; introduce natural predators outdoors
How do I get rid of whitefly on stevia?
Tiny white insects cloud up when disturbed; honeydew residue on upper leaf surfaces Place yellow sticky traps nearby; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to leaf undersides; repeat every five days
How do I get rid of spider mites on stevia?
Pale, dusty stippling on leaves; thin webbing under leaves in hot, dry conditions Increase humidity; mist regularly; treat with diluted neem oil or insecticidal soap on undersides