Pest identification
What's eating my wavy hair grass?
Aphids
Signs: Occasional colonies on soft new growth in early spring; light honeydew residue; rarely causes meaningful damage on established plants
Control: Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap if persistent; natural predators in garden settings usually provide complete control
Slugs and snails
Signs: Chewing damage on young shoots in cool, shaded, moist positions — the damp woodland garden settings this grass often occupies
Control: Iron phosphate pellets in spring; grit mulch around the crown; reduce moisture around the base where slug activity is high
Keep wavy hair grass pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
wavy hair grass pests — FAQ
What is eating my wavy hair grass?
Wavy hair grass (Deschampsia flexuosa) is among the most pest-resistant ornamental grasses — its fine, wiry blades and preference for acidic, poor soils deter most insects and animals. Aphids occasionally appear on spring growth, and slugs may nibble young shoots in damp, shaded woodland settings. Deer and rabbits virtually never eat it. Pest problems on established clumps are extremely rare.
How do I get rid of aphids on wavy hair grass?
Occasional colonies on soft new growth in early spring; light honeydew residue; rarely causes meaningful damage on established plants Water jet to dislodge; insecticidal soap if persistent; natural predators in garden settings usually provide complete control
How do I get rid of slugs and snails on wavy hair grass?
Chewing damage on young shoots in cool, shaded, moist positions — the damp woodland garden settings this grass often occupies Iron phosphate pellets in spring; grit mulch around the crown; reduce moisture around the base where slug activity is high