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Tarragon · Artemisia dracunculus

What are these bugs on my tarragon?

It is less common for tarragon to have pests, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally settle on the tender new growth. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects or webbing first.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the undersides of leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the branches.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and undersides of leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between leaves and the foliage looks stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use neem oil spray once a week to manage the population.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your tarragon

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

If the infestation covers the entire plant and growth has stopped, it is a serious issue. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and airflow to discourage pests from settling in.

Tarragon: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your tarragon 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 eat the tarragon if it had pests?
Yes, just wash the leaves thoroughly with cool water before using them in your cooking.
Are these pests harmful to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites spread easily to nearby plants, so isolate your tarragon until it is clear.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Tarragon

Back to the Tarragon 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.