Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Viper's bugloss · Echium vulgare

Why are there bugs on my Viper's bugloss?

It is less common for Echium vulgare to have pests, but they can occasionally appear if the plant is stressed. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stems for any signs of movement or webbing.

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. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue or fine webbing.
  3. Check if the plant is crowded by other plants.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny 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 steady 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, silky webbing between the leaves or stems. The foliage may also look speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Use neem oil spray every 7 days until the mites are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your viper's bugloss

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

Worry if the leaves start to yellow or deform significantly. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in a spot with good air circulation and check it regularly during the growing season.

Viper's bugloss: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your viper's bugloss 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my plant?
Usually not if you catch them early. If left untreated, they can weaken the plant and make it susceptible to other issues.
Can I use household soap to kill them?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap specifically formulated for plants.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Viper's bugloss

Back to the Viper's bugloss 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.