Chives are generally pretty tough and don’t deal with many pests, but every once in a while, aphids or other lice might decide to move in. If you spot them, you’ll want to act fast so your chives stay healthy and harvest-ready. Here’s the lowdown on how to handle these uninvited guests.
Which Pests Love Chives?
Usually, pests go after plants that are already a bit stressed or unhealthy. Even if chives aren’t their first choice, you might still find a few different types of “lice” hanging out on your herbs. Here are the usual suspects:
- Aphids
- Woolly Aphids
- Mealybugs
Tackling Aphids
Aphids are basically the most common garden party crashers out there. They suck the sap right out of the leaves, which can eventually kill the plant if left unchecked. If you see these tiny (about 2mm) bugs, it’s time to get to work. If your chives are growing in a pot, the easiest fix is to give them a good shower. Just wrap the pot in a plastic bag first so you don’t wash away all your soil!
For chives in the ground, you can start by blasting them with a garden hose. After that, follow up with a simple soapy water spray (just a few drops of dish soap in a spray bottle of water). If you want to go the organic route, stinging nettle tea works wonders. Here’s how to make it:
- Pick some fresh stinging nettles (wear gloves!).
- Pour hot water over them using a 1:10 ratio (one part nettle to ten parts water).
- Let the mixture steep for at least 24 hours.
- Strain the liquid into a spray bottle and get to misting.
Getting Rid of Mealybugs and Woolly Aphids
You won’t see mealybugs or woolly aphids on chives very often—they usually prefer indoor houseplants. These pests are a bit bigger (2mm to 5mm) and leave behind a sticky residue. You’ll recognize them by the white, cottony fluff they hide under.
Again, a strong spray of water is your first line of defense. However, if the infestation is really bad, your best bet is to cut the chives back aggressively. Don’t worry—chives are fast growers and will bounce back in no time. Woolly aphids can be particularly stubborn, so keep a close eye on the new growth!
