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Dovefoot cranesbill · Geranium molle

Why are there bugs on my Geranium molle?

It is less common for this plant to have major pest issues, but aphids or spider mites can occasionally show up. Check the undersides of your leaves first to see if you can spot any tiny 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 leaves for tiny insects.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the stems.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering 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 every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant and wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth. Use neem oil once a week for 2 weeks to clear out any remaining mites.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your dovefoot cranesbill

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

You should worry if the plant starts losing vigor or if the leaves begin to yellow and drop. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good airflow to discourage pests from settling in.

Dovefoot cranesbill: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your dovefoot cranesbill 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 the bugs?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild castile soap diluted in water.
Will these bugs spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and mites move quickly between plants. Isolate your Geranium molle until you are sure the infestation is cleared.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Dovefoot cranesbill

Back to the Dovefoot cranesbill 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.