How to Get Rid of Thyme Plant Pests

Thyme is an easily grown, versatile culinary herb that works well as a landscape plant and beneficial insect attractor. Thyme will thrive in full sun as well as partial shade. In addition to being a great container plant, thyme works well as a ground cover for walkways. Because thyme provides you with so many wonderful uses, it is important to protect it from harmful pests.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Soapy water or insecticidal soap
• Spray bottle
• Ladybugs

1. Avoid strong chemicals and pesticides on edible thyme plants by trying a solution of soapy water to eliminate spider mites. Another option is to use an insecticidal soap. Before spraying the entire plant with soapy water test the solution on one or two leaves to make sure it will not burn your plants. Burned leaves will turn brown.

2. Control aphids on your thyme plants with an insecticidal soap or by releasing ladybugs. Ladybugs will eat the aphids. If releasing ladybugs, refrigerate them once they arrive until late in the evening, then release them as close to the thyme plants as possible so they can easily find their prey.

3. Continue the natural pest control method chosen on a regular basis over a several week period. This will ensure that all of the pests and their eggs are gone. Once the thyme plants are clean of pests be sure to check them weekly to make sure no new pests have attempted to use your thyme plants as their host.