Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

wall barley · Hordeum murinum

What are the pests on my wall barley?

It is less common for wall barley to be bothered by pests, as it is a resilient wild grass. When they do appear, it is usually because the plant is already stressed by poor light or incorrect watering.

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 the leaves with a magnifying glass.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems or the surface below the plant.
  3. Check for fine webbing between the grass blades.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see tiny green or black insects clustering on the stems or the undersides of leaves. They often leave behind a sticky residue.

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

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You notice fine, silky webbing between the leaves or stems. The leaves may also develop tiny yellow or white stippled spots.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it occasionally. 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 wall barley

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 you see the plant losing color or if the leaves start to curl and deform. It is normal to see an occasional stray insect outdoors.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper sunlight and avoid overwatering, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.

Wall barley: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your wall barley 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

Can I use household soap to kill the bugs?
Avoid using harsh dish soaps, as they can damage the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or a very diluted mixture of mild soap and water.
Will the pests kill my wall barley?
A small infestation is rarely fatal, but a large one can weaken the plant significantly. Treat the issue as soon as you spot the first signs.

Guides to these causes

More problems with wall barley

Back to the wall barley 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.