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Pampas Grass · Cortaderia selloana

What are these bugs on my pampas grass?

Aphids are small, soft bodied insects that love to cluster on the tender stems of pampas grass. Check the undersides of the leaves and the base of the stems for these tiny pests.

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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 stems for small clusters of bugs.
  2. Check for a sticky substance on the leaves.
  3. Observe if ants are climbing the plant.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustered on the stems and sticky residue on the leaves.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap according to the package directions.

  2. Ant activity

    Possible

    How to tell: You notice ants crawling up and down the stems of your grass.

    What to do: Ants are often farming aphids for their honeydew. Treat the aphids first, and the ants will usually leave on their own.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your pampas grass

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

A few aphids are rarely a problem, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant. Treat them early to prevent them from spreading to other plants.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper sun and water, as stressed plants are more susceptible to pests.

Pampas Grass: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your pampas grass 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

Will aphids kill my pampas grass?
Usually not, but they can cause the leaves to curl and stunt growth. It is best to manage them as soon as you see them.
Do I need harsh chemicals to kill aphids?
No, a strong blast of water or mild insecticidal soap is usually enough. Avoid broad spectrum pesticides that kill beneficial insects.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Pampas Grass

Back to the Pampas Grass 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.