Why are there tiny bugs on my garden sorrel?

Check these first

1. Look closely at the tender new growth for clusters of tiny bugs.
2. Check the undersides of the leaves for sticky residue.
3. Examine the soil surface for slime trails.

Likely causes

1. Aphid infestation

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on the undersides of leaves or on new stems. The leaves may also look curled or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.

   What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

2. Slugs or snails

   Possible

   How to tell: You will see irregular holes in the leaves and slimy trails on the soil or foliage. They usually feed at night and hide during the day.

   What to do: Handpick them off the plant in the evening or early morning. Use copper tape around the base of your pots or set out beer traps to lure them away.

When to worry

A few aphids are normal, but if they cover the entire plant or the plant stops growing, you must act. Heavy infestations can cause the plant to wilt and die.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden, and keep the area around your sorrel free of debris where pests hide.

Questions people ask

Are aphids harmful to me?

No, aphids are not harmful to humans. They only damage the plant by draining its sap.

How often should I spray for aphids?

If you use insecticidal soap, apply it every 5 to 7 days for about 2 to 3 weeks. This breaks the life cycle of the pests.

More problems with Garden sorrel

• Why are there orange spots on my garden sorrel leaves?
• Why is my garden sorrel drooping?