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French lavender · Lavandula stoechas

What are these bugs on my French lavender?

It is less common for French lavender to have pests, but it usually happens when the plant is stressed by poor light or incorrect watering. Check the undersides of the leaves and the stem joints for small insects.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the new growth for clusters of small bugs.
  2. Look for fine webbing between the stems.
  3. Check for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine, dusty webbing appears between the stems and leaves. The foliage may look speckled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the air circulation around the plant. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and apply insecticidal soap to the affected areas.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your french lavender

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

Worry if you see heavy webbing or if the plant's growth is severely stunted. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your lavender healthy with full sun and proper watering to help it resist infestations. Inspect your plant regularly when you water.

French lavender: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your french lavender 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 chemical pesticides on my lavender?
It is best to avoid harsh chemicals, especially if you plan to use the lavender for culinary purposes. Stick to insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Do pests spread to my other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites can easily travel to nearby plants. Isolate the infested lavender until the pests are completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with French lavender

Back to the French lavender 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.