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Bugleweed · Ajuga reptans

Why are there holes in my Bugleweed leaves?

Seeing ragged holes in your Bugleweed usually means slugs or snails are enjoying a midnight snack. These pests love the damp, low growing foliage of Ajuga. Check the undersides of leaves and the soil surface for these slimy visitors.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small pests.
  2. Look for shiny slime trails on the soil or leaves.
  3. Check if the area stays constantly wet.

Likely causes

  1. Slugs and Snails

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves and shiny slime trails left behind on the foliage or soil.

    What to do: Handpick the pests at night when they are active. You can also place shallow dishes of beer or use iron phosphate bait pellets around the base of the plants to deter them.

  2. Overcrowding

    Possible

    How to tell: Dense, matted growth provides the perfect cool, damp hiding spot for pests to thrive.

    What to do: Thin out your patch by removing some of the runners to improve airflow. This makes the area less hospitable for slugs and snails.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bugleweed

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

It is normal to see occasional minor damage, but you should worry if the entire patch is being defoliated. Take action if you see the pests actively feeding on new growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your Bugleweed clear of debris and leaf litter where slugs like to hide during the day.

Bugleweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bugleweed and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will these pests kill my Bugleweed?
Usually no, but they can make it look unsightly. If the infestation is severe, the plant may struggle to recover.
Are there natural ways to stop them?
Yes, encouraging birds or toads in your garden can help keep the population down naturally.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bugleweed

Back to the Bugleweed guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.