Which Pests Eat Marigolds?

Spider Mites

• Marigolds are desirable in part for their ability to thrive in hot sunlight, but that dry heat is also favorable to spider mites. In fact, spider mites can completely destroy a marigold plant during periods of drought. The twospotted spider mite, in particular, loves marigolds. These tiny bugs suck the juices of the leaves, causing them to become brown and withered. Luckily, it's relatively easy to keep spider mites away from your marigolds. Simply blast the plants with a strong stream of water and rinse the insect pests right off the plants. You will also reduce the chances of more spider mites being attracted to your plants when you do this, because it's the dry dirt and dust that attracts the mites.

Aphids

• The green peach and melon aphids are the two that most commonly affect marigolds, according to the University of California's website. Like spider mites, these tiny insects suck out the juices of the plant, but unlike spider mites, they eat the flower buds of marigolds as well as the leaves. Aphids thrive in warm temperatures. Curling leaves are a notable symptom of an infestation in your marigold plants. Pluck off affected parts of the plants. If the infestation is severe, spray the plants with an insecticidal soap. Repeated applications may be necessary.

Caterpillars

• There are many different types of caterpillars that like to feed on the tender leaves and flowers of marigolds, including the cabbage looper and sunflower moth. The flying adults lay their eggs on the flowers, and the hatching larvae consume the plants. Depending on the size of the infestation, you may notice a few holes in the leaves, or you may notice nothing left of your plant but a stubby stem. Pluck the caterpillars off by hand, or spray Bacillus thuringiensis, a microbial insecticide, on the plants.

Slugs and Snails

• Slugs and snails may be slow, but they are still pesky enough to make a quick meal (usually overnight) of your marigolds. They don't like the heat of the day and will often hide nearby in a shady location until nightfall. Trap them by setting out some inverted melon rinds, leaving a space large enough for the slugs to crawl under the rind. The moisture and scent will attract the slugs and snails. In the morning, scrape them off and crush them, or drown them in a bucket of soapy water. Slug and snail bait sprinkled around your marigold planting will also work well.