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Frostweed · Verbesina virginica

What are these bugs on my Frostweed?

It is less common for Frostweed to suffer from severe pest infestations, as it is quite hardy. The most common cause is aphids or spider mites, so check the undersides of the leaves first.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue or webbing on the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the new growth or flower buds.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between leaves or stems, and the leaves look stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant and wash the foliage with water. Use neem oil spray once a week if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your frostweed

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

Small numbers of insects are normal in a garden setting. Only worry if the plant shows signs of wilting or stunted growth.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with proper watering and airflow to make it less attractive to pests.

Frostweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your frostweed 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?
It is better to avoid harsh chemicals as they can harm the pollinators that Frostweed attracts. Stick to gentle options like insecticidal soap.
Do ants mean I have pests?
Often yes, as ants farm aphids for their honeydew. If you see many ants, look closely for aphids nearby.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Frostweed

Back to the Frostweed 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.