Pest identification
What's eating my vera lavender?
Aphids
Signs: Clustered on soft shoot tips and flower stalks; sticky honeydew, distorted buds
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; use insecticidal soap as a last resort
Spittlebug (froghoppers)
Signs: Frothy white foam masses on stems in late spring; sucking weakens shoots
Control: Wipe or wash off foam by hand or hose; rarely causes serious damage; no chemical treatment needed in most cases
Rosemary beetle
Signs: Metallic green-purple beetles and their larvae strip foliage and flowers, leaving skeletal stems
Control: Hand-pick adults and larvae; shake onto a sheet early morning; use pyrethrum spray if infestation is heavy
Keep vera lavender pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Vera lavender pests — FAQ
What is eating my vera lavender?
Vera lavender is largely pest-resistant, but aphids, spittlebugs, and leafhoppers can attack soft new growth. Root rot from waterlogged soil attracts fungus gnats. The best defense is sharp drainage, full sun, and good air circulation — these cultural practices outperform any pesticide for this herb.
How do I get rid of aphids on vera lavender?
Clustered on soft shoot tips and flower stalks; sticky honeydew, distorted buds Blast off with a strong jet of water; introduce ladybugs or lacewings; use insecticidal soap as a last resort
How do I get rid of spittlebug (froghoppers) on vera lavender?
Frothy white foam masses on stems in late spring; sucking weakens shoots Wipe or wash off foam by hand or hose; rarely causes serious damage; no chemical treatment needed in most cases
How do I get rid of rosemary beetle on vera lavender?
Metallic green-purple beetles and their larvae strip foliage and flowers, leaving skeletal stems Hand-pick adults and larvae; shake onto a sheet early morning; use pyrethrum spray if infestation is heavy