Will aphids kill my plant?

Usually no, but they can weaken it significantly if left unchecked. They also attract ants and can spread viruses.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Why are there bugs on my Black horehound? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small moving dots.
Look for sticky residue on the stems.
Check for fine webbing near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on the new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
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.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for fine, silky webbing between the leaves and stems. The leaves may also appear stippled or pale.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant and wash the foliage thoroughly. Use neem oil once a week for 3 weeks to clear up a heavy infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black horehound

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

Small numbers are manageable, but you should act if the plant starts losing vigor or the leaves begin to curl.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and check it weekly for early signs of visitors.

Black horehound: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black horehound 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

Will aphids kill my plant?: Usually no, but they can weaken it significantly if left unchecked. They also attract ants and can spread viruses.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

Why are there bugs on my Black horehound?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your black horehound?

Likely causes

Aphids

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your black horehound

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Black horehound: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Black horehound