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Giant Hogweed · Heracleum mantegazzianum

Are there pests on my Giant Hogweed?

It is less common for Giant Hogweed to suffer from major pest infestations, as it is a very robust plant. When pests do appear, they are usually aphids or spider mites that thrive in dry conditions. Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects or webbing.

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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 undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check for fine webbing between stems.
  3. Inspect the new growth for sticky residue.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves or near the stems.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use an insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the stems and leaves look speckled or dull.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the foliage. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your giant hogweed

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

Take action if you see large colonies or if the leaves start to yellow and curl. A few stray bugs are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper water and light to help it resist infestations.

Giant Hogweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your giant hogweed 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

Are these pests dangerous to me?
The pests themselves are not dangerous, but the plant sap is highly toxic and causes severe skin reactions. Always wear gloves and long sleeves when inspecting your plant.
Can I use neem oil?
Yes, neem oil is effective against most common pests on this plant. Apply it in the evening to avoid leaf burn from the sun.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Giant Hogweed

Back to the Giant Hogweed 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.