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Barren brome · Bromus sterilis

Are there bugs on my Barren brome?

It is less common for this grass to attract pests, as it is a tough outdoor species. When they do appear, it is usually due to aphids or spider mites settling in during dry spells.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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 moving specks.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Examine the plant for fine webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on the stems or undersides of leaves. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine, dusty webbing between the blades of grass. The leaves may look speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it occasionally. Use neem oil to treat the affected areas every 7 days until they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your barren brome

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 plant starts losing color or the leaves begin to wilt, the infestation is severe. A few stray bugs are rarely a threat.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and avoid overfertilizing, which attracts aphids.

Barren brome: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your barren brome 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 household soap to kill them?
Avoid harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Use a dedicated insecticidal soap or neem oil instead.
Will these pests spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites can travel. Keep the affected plant away from others until it is clean.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Barren brome

Back to the Barren brome 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.