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Common Fumitory · Fumaria officinalis

Why are there bugs on my Common Fumitory?

Seeing tiny insects on your Common Fumitory is frustrating, but it is a common issue for this plant. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids, which are the most frequent visitors.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

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

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

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

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the stems and tiny yellow stippling on the leaves. These pests thrive in dry, warm conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it regularly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil to clear the infestation.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your common fumitory

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 is covered in pests and the leaves are curling or yellowing, take action immediately to save the plant.

Stopping it coming back

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

Common Fumitory: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your common fumitory 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 aphids?
It is better to use a dedicated insecticidal soap, as some household soaps contain additives that can burn the leaves of your Fumitory.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites can easily move to nearby plants. Isolate your affected Fumitory until the pests are completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Common Fumitory

Back to the Common Fumitory 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.