Pest identification
What's eating my french tarragon?
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves, thin webbing on undersides; plants look dusty and stressed in hot, dry weather
Control: Increase humidity; spray undersides with water or insecticidal soap; neem oil for persistent infestations
Aphids
Signs: Curled, sticky young shoots; colonies of small insects clustered on new growth in spring
Control: Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; ladybird larvae provide natural control in garden beds
Slugs and snails
Signs: Irregular holes and slime trails on young transplants and low-growing leaves at night
Control: Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants; use grit mulch or copper tape as barriers
Keep french tarragon pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
French tarragon pests — FAQ
What is eating my french tarragon?
French tarragon is rarely troubled by pests, but spider mites are the chief indoor and dry-summer threat, causing pale stippled foliage. Aphids hit soft spring growth outdoors, and slugs may graze young transplants. Strong aromatic oils deter most insects that attack other herbs.
How do I get rid of spider mites on french tarragon?
Fine pale stippling on leaves, thin webbing on undersides; plants look dusty and stressed in hot, dry weather Increase humidity; spray undersides with water or insecticidal soap; neem oil for persistent infestations
How do I get rid of aphids on french tarragon?
Curled, sticky young shoots; colonies of small insects clustered on new growth in spring Spray with water jet or insecticidal soap; ladybird larvae provide natural control in garden beds
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on french tarragon?
Irregular holes and slime trails on young transplants and low-growing leaves at night Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around plants; use grit mulch or copper tape as barriers