Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?

Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a mild castile soap diluted in water.

Will these pests spread to my other plants?

Yes, aphids and mites can travel easily. Isolate your mugwort until you are sure the pests are gone.

Are there bugs on my Western mugwort? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the underside of the leaves.
Check the tips of the stems for sticky residue.
Search for fine webbing between the branches.

Likely causes

Aphids
Possible
How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new growth.
What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. Apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks if the infestation persists.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the 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 every 7 days until the webbing disappears.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your western mugwort

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.

When to worry

If the leaves are yellowing and falling off rapidly, the infestation is severe and needs immediate treatment. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper sunlight and avoid over-fertilizing, which can attract aphids.

Western mugwort: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your western mugwort 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?: Avoid harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or a mild castile soap diluted in water.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?: Yes, aphids and mites can travel easily. Isolate your mugwort until you are sure the pests are gone.

Are there bugs on my Western mugwort?

Check these first

Likely causes

Aphids

Spider Mites

Find out what's wrong with your western mugwort

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Western mugwort: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Western mugwort