Mint Plant Problems: Common Pests and How to Handle Them Naturally

Mint is one of the easiest herbs to grow—but even this tough little plant isn't immune to pest issues. From leaf miners to spider mites, mint can suffer from stunted growth, curling leaves, and spots if not monitored properly.

Let’s explore the most common pests that affect mint and how to treat them naturally to keep your harvest safe and flavorful.

🐛 1. Spider Mites

• Symptoms: Fine webbing, tiny yellow spots on leaves, dusty appearance

• Solution: Boost humidity, spray with insecticidal soap

• Tip: Rinse leaves under cold water to knock mites off manually

🐞 2. Aphids

• Symptoms: Sticky residue (honeydew), distorted new growth, ant activity nearby

• Solution: Use neem oil or strong water spray to dislodge them

• Add companion plants like garlic or chives nearby to repel them

🪲 3. Flea Beetles

• Symptoms: Small round holes in leaves, especially in young plants

• Solution: Apply diatomaceous earth, use floating row covers

• Remove plant debris and rotate crops seasonally

🐜 4. Cutworms

• Symptoms: Mint stems cut near the soil line (usually overnight)

• Solution: Use collars around seedlings, clear mulch, apply neem or Bt

• Water early in the day to prevent mold and fungal issues

🐝 5. Leaf Miners

• Symptoms: Winding white tunnels inside mint leaves

• Solution: Remove and destroy affected leaves

• Spray neem oil weekly as a preventive measure

⚠️ Bonus: Preventing Pest Infestations in Mint

• Don’t overcrowd: Mint loves space and airflow

• Water the soil, not the leaves

• Trim regularly to keep the plant vigorous and discourage pests

• Keep mint in containers to isolate it from garden-wide infestations

🌿 Quick DIY Pest Spray for Mint

• 1 tsp castile soap

• 1 tsp neem oil

• 1 liter of water

Spray early in the morning, especially under leaves. Avoid spraying right before harvest.