What's eating my creeping thyme?

Creeping thyme spreads low to the ground, which can attract slugs to young growth in damp conditions. Spittlebugs occasionally target it in early summer. Aphids are rarely a serious problem on established mats. Because it is often used as a lawn substitute, foot traffic damage is more common than any insect pest.

Ragged notches eaten from the edges and centres of low-growing stems and leaves, slime trails visible in the morning Apply iron phosphate slug pellets around the mat; improve drainage as slugs favour wet soil; use grit or gravel mulch around plants

Frothy white masses on stems in late spring; nymphs hidden inside feed on sap and distort new growth Knock off with a water jet; plants typically outgrow minor infestations without treatment

Small clusters of soft insects on shoot tips; minimal damage on established plants but can set back young transplants Spray with diluted insecticidal soap; encourage natural predators; rarely warrants repeated treatment