Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Spotted bee balm · Monarda punctata

Why are there bugs on my spotted bee balm?

It is less common for spotted bee balm to have major pest issues, but you might occasionally see aphids or spider mites. Check the undersides of your leaves first to see what is hiding there.

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 leaves for small insects or webbing.
  2. Check the stems for clusters of aphids.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustering on new growth or flower buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong blast of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by watering the soil thoroughly. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your spotted bee balm

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 the plant starts losing vigor or if the leaves turn yellow and drop. A few bugs are usually manageable and not a sign of a dying plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper spacing to ensure good airflow. Healthy plants are much better at resisting pest attacks.

Spotted bee balm: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your spotted bee balm 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

Will these bugs kill my bee balm?
Usually no. Most infestations are minor and can be cleared up with simple washing.
Can I use chemical sprays?
It is better to avoid harsh chemicals as they can harm the pollinators that love this plant. Stick to soaps or oils.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Spotted bee balm

Back to the Spotted bee balm 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.