Pest identification
What's eating my thyme?
Aphids
Signs: Soft, curled shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue on stems and leaves
Control: Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
Spider mites
Signs: Fine pale stippling on leaves; delicate webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells
Control: Increase humidity, mist plants in morning; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested stems
Leafhoppers
Signs: Pale, speckled patches on leaf surfaces; rapid jumping insects visible when disturbed
Control: Use row cover on young plants; spray with pyrethrin or insecticidal soap; remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts
Keep thyme pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Thyme pests — FAQ
What is eating my thyme?
Thyme's aromatic oils repel most pests, but aphids, spider mites, and leafhoppers can still attack, especially in hot, dry conditions. Rabbits and deer occasionally browse young plants. Strong-scented herbs are far less troubled than most garden plants, and good air circulation is your best all-round defence.
How do I get rid of aphids on thyme?
Soft, curled shoot tips; sticky honeydew residue on stems and leaves Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybirds and lacewings as natural predators
How do I get rid of spider mites on thyme?
Fine pale stippling on leaves; delicate webbing on undersides in hot, dry spells Increase humidity, mist plants in morning; spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap; remove heavily infested stems
How do I get rid of leafhoppers on thyme?
Pale, speckled patches on leaf surfaces; rapid jumping insects visible when disturbed Use row cover on young plants; spray with pyrethrin or insecticidal soap; remove weeds that serve as alternate hosts