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Mouse-ear hawkweed · Pilosella officinarum

Are there bugs on my mouse-ear hawkweed?

It is less common for this plant to have pests, but aphids can sometimes show up. Check the undersides of the leaves and the new growth for tiny insects.

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 leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

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

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

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between the leaves or stems. The leaves may also look speckled or yellow.

    What to do: Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth to remove the webs. Increase the humidity around the plant and treat with neem oil every 7 days.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mouse-ear hawkweed

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

If you see a heavy infestation that is causing the leaves to yellow or die, take action immediately. A few stray bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper light and airflow to discourage pests. Regularly wipe down leaves to keep them clean.

Mouse-ear hawkweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mouse-ear hawkweed 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 household soap to kill the bugs?
Only use mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. It is safer to buy a dedicated insecticidal soap to avoid harming the plant foliage.
Are these pests harmful to other plants?
Yes, aphids and spider mites spread easily to nearby plants. Isolate your hawkweed until the infestation is completely gone.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Mouse-ear hawkweed

Back to the Mouse-ear hawkweed 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.