Pest identification
What's eating my tansy?
Tansy aphids (Metopeurum fuscoviride)
Signs: Dense rust-red and black colonies coating stems and undersides of leaves; heavy infestations cause stem die-back
Control: Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding that produces aphid-attractive soft growth
Caterpillars (e.g. Painted Lady, Vanessa cardui)
Signs: Skeletonised or heavily eaten leaves; silk webbing sometimes present; caterpillars rest openly on foliage
Control: Hand-remove caterpillars and eggs; Bt spray for heavy infestations; most caterpillars on tansy are manageable manually
Keep tansy pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Tansy pests — FAQ
What is eating my tansy?
Tansy is historically used as a companion plant to repel insects, yet it attracts its own specialist pests. Tansy aphids (Metopeurum fuscoviride) are the primary pest, forming large colonies on stems. Tansy beetles (Chrysolina graminis, UK) are a rare protected species. Deer and rabbits avoid tansy's pungent foliage entirely.
How do I get rid of tansy aphids (metopeurum fuscoviride) on tansy?
Dense rust-red and black colonies coating stems and undersides of leaves; heavy infestations cause stem die-back Strong water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap spray; avoid nitrogen-heavy feeding that produces aphid-attractive soft growth
How do I get rid of caterpillars (e.g. painted lady, vanessa cardui) on tansy?
Skeletonised or heavily eaten leaves; silk webbing sometimes present; caterpillars rest openly on foliage Hand-remove caterpillars and eggs; Bt spray for heavy infestations; most caterpillars on tansy are manageable manually