What’s Eating My Mint Leaves? A Guide to Identifying and Stopping Mint Leaf Pests

Mint is one of the most popular herbs to grow in home gardens With its pleasant fragrance and versatility in recipes, it’s easy to see why mint is a backyard staple However, mint leaves with holes, wilting, yellowing or other damage is a common issue that gardeners face. If you’ve noticed your mint leaves looking less than perfect, the likely culprits are pests.

In this article we’ll discuss the most common pests that attack mint and what to do about them. With some vigilance and the right organic pest control methods you can protect your mint crop and enjoy harvests of beautiful, unblemished leaves all season long.

The Most Common Mint Pests

Unfortunately, mint doesn’t have many natural defenses against pests. That irresistible minty aroma that we love acts like a magnet, luring plant-eating insects and other critters. Some of the most frequent offenders include:

• Aphids – These tiny, soft-bodied insects pierce leaves and stems to suck out plant fluids. An aphid infestation can cause mint leaves to curl, yellow, wilt and become covered in sticky honeydew secretions that lead to sooty mold growth.

• Spider Mites – Too small to be seen by the naked eye, spider mites suck juices from mint leaves, causing stippling, discoloration and drying of the foliage. Their webbing may also be visible on affected plants.

• Flea Beetles – Small, jumping beetles that chew tiny holes in mint leaves, damaging plants and reducing yields.

• Cutworms – Plump caterpillar pests that hide in soil by day, then come out at night to feast on mint stems and leaves.

• Loopers – Smooth, green caterpillars that blend in with foliage. They devour mint leaves overnight, leaving ragged holes.

• Slugs & Snails – Listed together because their damage is similar – ragged holes in mint leaves and stems. These pests are most active at night and in damp conditions.

While this list covers some of the most common mint pests, there are a few more less frequent offenders to watch for as well, like mealybugs, mint beetles, earwigs, and grasshoppers.

Inspect Plants Frequently

The first line of defense is vigilance. Get in the habit of closely checking your mint plants at least twice a week during the growing season. Look at both sides of leaves, as some pests like aphids and mites tend to gather on the undersides out of direct sun.

Also scan plants in the morning and at night when some pests are most active. Catching infestations early allows for quicker control before significant damage is done.

Signs of pests like chewed foliage, sticky deposits, visible insects, and webbing will alert you to take action. It’s much easier to manage a minor infestation than letting pests multiply and spread unchecked.

Use Organic Pest Control Methods

With mint’s culinary uses, it’s best to avoid chemical pesticides that could linger on the leaves. Organic, non-toxic approaches are safer and often just as effective. Here are some of the top options:

Insecticidal Soap – Available as a liquid concentrate, insecticidal soap disrupts cell membranes when sprayed on soft-bodied insects like aphids, causing dehydration and death. It’s safe for humans and beneficial insects.

Neem Oil – Derived from the neem tree, this oil smothers and kills juvenile insects and prevents larvae from maturing. Use neem oil as a foliar spray.

Diatomaceous Earth (DE) – Spread this powdered fossilized algae on the soil around plants to shred and dehydrate crawling pests like slugs, snails, and earwigs. Completely non-toxic to mammals.

Pyrethrin – A plant-based insecticide made from chrysanthemums. It’s effective against a range of pests if applied before populations explode.

Biological Controls – Beneficial predatory insects like ladybugs, lacewings, and preying mantises will feed on aphids, mites, and other mint pests. Also use parasitic nematodes to kill soil-dwelling pests.

Row Covers – These fabric covers form a barrier against flying and leaping insects while still allowing air and water penetration. Drape over mint plants, securing the edges with stones, boards or landscape staples.

Water Spray – For light infestations, a strong stream of water can knock some pests off plants. Focus on the undersides of leaves and repeat every few days for mild control.

Alcohol & Soap – Wiping leaves with a cotton ball soaked in a mix of 2 parts rubbing alcohol, 1 part liquid soap, and 2 parts water can help control mites, aphids, thrips, and other small insects.

Sticky Traps – These yellow cards lure in flea beetles, aphids, hoppers, and other pests, trapping them in the adhesive surface so they can’t infest plants. Strategically place around mint.

Prevent Infestations in the First Place

Along with monitoring and treating pest outbreaks as needed, some basic practices will help keep mint pests at bay:

• Plant mints in full sun to reduce pest pressure.

• Space plants adequately – 12-18 inches apart – to allow air circulation.

• Avoid overwatering that attracts soil-dwelling pests.

• Clean up leaf litter and prune dead growth to eliminate hiding spots.

• Rotate mint plantings to different spots each year to disrupt pest cycles.

• Use row covers as a preventive barrier against insects.

• Interplant with aromatic herbs like thyme, sage, oregano, etc which may help repel pests.

• Fertilize monthly to keep mint plants robust and better able to withstand pest damage.

Be Persistent

Even if you follow all the right growing practices, mint pests are likely to show up at some point. Don’t get discouraged! Early intervention and an integrated pest management approach combining several methods will get the problem under control. It may take persistence over a couple weeks, but you can protect your mint crop.

Growing perfect mint leaves takes some added awareness and effort compared to other more pest-hardy herbs. But the extra work is rewarded with the joy of harvesting abundant, beautiful mint for all your culinary creations or just to enjoy its refreshing scent. Don’t let the bugs get you down!

References

University of Vermont Extension. Mint Insect Pests. https://www.uvm.edu/extension/agriculture/mint/mint-insect-pests

Planet Natural. Mint Pest Control. https://www.planetnatural.com/pest-problem-solver/herb-pests/mint-pests/

The Old Farmer’s Almanac. Mint Has Holes in Its Leaves. What Bug Is Eating It? https://www.almanac.com/pest/mint-holes-leaves

Gardening Know How. Mint Plant Pests – Controlling Pests On Mint Plants In The Garden. https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/herbs/mint/pests-of-mint-plants.htm

The Spruce. Controlling Mint Pests. https://www.thespruce.com/controlling-mint-pests-2132646