Pest identification
What's eating my summer savory?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky, curled shoot tips; clusters of small pale or green insects on tender new growth
Control: Spray with insecticidal soap or a water jet; introduce or encourage aphid predators in the garden
Spider mites
Signs: Pale stippling across leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in warm, dry periods
Control: Mist foliage; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil regularly
Spittlebugs (froghoppers)
Signs: Blobs of white frothy 'cuckoo spit' at stem joints; hidden nymphs sap-feed inside the froth
Control: Wash off froth and nymphs with a water jet; plants tolerate light infestations without lasting harm
Keep summer savory pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Summer savory pests — FAQ
What is eating my summer savory?
Summer savory's aromatic oils repel many pests, but aphids still target tender spring growth. Spider mites attack in hot, dry spells. Spittlebugs occasionally colonise stem joints, leaving froths of protective foam. As a compact annual, removing affected growth or treating early keeps summer savory healthy through harvest.
How do I get rid of aphids on summer savory?
Sticky, curled shoot tips; clusters of small pale or green insects on tender new growth Spray with insecticidal soap or a water jet; introduce or encourage aphid predators in the garden
How do I get rid of spider mites on summer savory?
Pale stippling across leaf surfaces; fine webbing on undersides in warm, dry periods Mist foliage; spray undersides of leaves with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil regularly
How do I get rid of spittlebugs (froghoppers) on summer savory?
Blobs of white frothy 'cuckoo spit' at stem joints; hidden nymphs sap-feed inside the froth Wash off froth and nymphs with a water jet; plants tolerate light infestations without lasting harm