Are these bugs harmful?

Yes, they suck the sap out of the plant and can cause stunted growth or leaf drop. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.

Should I isolate the plant?

Yes, move it away from other plants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

Why does my Creeping Charlie have pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the leaf axils for white cottony fluff.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
Check the undersides of the leaves for small insects.

Likely causes

Mealybugs
Most likely
How to tell: You see small, white, fuzzy masses that look like bits of cotton in the leaf joints. The leaves may also look sticky or start to yellow.
What to do: Dip a cotton swab in rubbing alcohol and dab it directly onto the bugs to kill them. Follow up by wiping the leaves with a mild soap and water solution once a week.
Low Humidity
Possible
How to tell: The plant is stressed and dry, making it more attractive to pests. You might see the plant struggling in a very dry room.
What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant on a pebble tray with water. This increases the humidity and makes the environment less hospitable for pests.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your creeping charlie

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.

When to worry

If you see a heavy infestation covering the whole plant, it is serious. A few bugs are easy to manage, but don't ignore them.

Stopping it coming back

Wipe down the leaves regularly with a damp cloth to keep them clean. Inspect your plant whenever you water it to catch new pests early.

Creeping Charlie: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your creeping charlie 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these bugs harmful?: Yes, they suck the sap out of the plant and can cause stunted growth or leaf drop. It is best to remove them as soon as you see them.
Should I isolate the plant?: Yes, move it away from other plants immediately to prevent the pests from spreading.

Guides to these causes

Mealybugs

Why does my Creeping Charlie have pests?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your creeping charlie?