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Meadow foxtail · Alopecurus pratensis

What are the pests on my meadow foxtail?

It is less common for meadow foxtail to have pests, and this usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or incorrect watering. Check the undersides of the leaves and the base of the stems for any signs of activity.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the base of the leaves for tiny bugs.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Inspect the plant for fine, silky webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on the tender new growth. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to knock the aphids off. For persistent cases, apply a mild insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: The leaves look dusty or speckled with tiny yellow dots. You might see very fine webbing between the blades of grass.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or using a pebble tray. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your meadow foxtail

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

Worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow due to heavy feeding. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper water and light, and occasionally rinse the foliage to keep it clean.

Meadow foxtail: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your meadow foxtail 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

Can I use neem oil on my grass?
Yes, neem oil is effective against many pests. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from direct sun.
Are these pests harmful to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites spread easily to nearby plants. Isolate your meadow foxtail until you are sure the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Meadow foxtail

Back to the Meadow foxtail 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.