What's eating my watermint?

Watermint (Mentha aquatica) is attacked by mint beetle, aphids, and sometimes spider mites in dry spells. The bright green mint beetle and its larvae shred leaves visibly. Flea beetles make small shot-holes in leaves. As a wetland plant, slugs are rarely a major issue, though they do graze tender new growth in boggy margins.

Shiny green adults and dark slug-like larvae eat large irregular holes in leaves, sometimes defoliating entire stems Hand-pick adults and larvae; check leaf undersides for eggs and crush them; the plant recovers vigorously once picking is complete

Colonies on soft shoot tips; curled new growth; honeydew attracts ants Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; encourage predatory insects; trim and use affected shoots to remove infestation

Small round shot-holes peppered across leaves; adults jump when disturbed Use sticky yellow traps; apply kaolin clay dust as a deterrent; maintain vigorous, well-watered plants that outgrow minor damage