Autumn sage is a drought-tolerant ornamental plant that produces beautiful flowers in shades of red, pink, orange, or white. However, these lovely plants can sometimes become infested with destructive pests like worms that can quickly damage their foliage and flowers. If you’ve noticed signs of worms on your autumn sages, taking prompt action is key to getting rid of them and restoring the health of your plants.
Here are some of the most effective methods for eliminating worms from autumn sage plants
Identify the Type of Worm
Not all worms that may infest sage plants behave the same or cause the same type of damage, Common worm pests on autumn sage include
-
Caterpillars – Chew holes in leaves and flowers leaving ragged edges. Often visible crawling on plants.
-
Loopers – Inchworm-like larvae that chew foliage. Leave winding trails of damage.
-
Leafminers – Larvae burrow between leaf surfaces making meandering trails or blotches.
Properly identifying the worm pest will allow you to better target your control methods. Visually inspect plants and look for signs like chewed foliage, trails, or fecal pellets.
Handpick Visible Worms
Manually removing worms from plants is an effective organic control. Take time to regularly inspect plants and pick off any worms you find by hand. Drop them into a bucket of soapy water to kill them. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves and inside flowers where worms often hide.
Frequency of Entities:
Worms: 2
Hand: 1
Bucket: 1
Soapy water: 1
Leaves: 1
Flowers: 1
Apply Natural Pesticides
Botanical insecticides like neem oil, pyrethrins, or Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) are safe but effective options for managing worm pests. Coat all surfaces of foliage, stems, and flowers with these sprays. Reapply weekly or after rain. Always follow label directions.
Frequency of Entities:
Neem oil: 1
Pyrethrins: 1
Bt: 1
Foliage: 1
Stems: 1
Flowers: 1
Use Beneficial Nematodes
Beneficial nematodes are microscopic worms that parasitize and kill pest larvae in soil. Apply them around the base of plants and they will hunt for worms in hiding. Use species suited for specific pests like Heterorhabditis bacteriophora for caterpillars.
Frequency of Entities:
Nematodes: 2
Heterorhabditis bacteriophora: 1
Caterpillars: 1
Remove Damaged Growth
Prune off any leaves, stems, or flowers that are heavily infested or damaged. This eliminates worms hiding on the plants and removes potential sources of rotting organic matter. Discard the pruned material immediately. Sterilize pruners between cuts.
Frequency of Entities:
Leaves: 1
Stems: 1
Flowers: 1
Pruners: 1
Use Row Covers as Barriers
Installing floating row covers over plants creates a physical barrier to prevent moths and butterflies from reaching the plants to lay eggs. Drape the fabric loosely over plants and anchor the edges with stones, boards, or ground staples.
Frequency of Entities:
Row covers: 1
Moths: 1
Butterflies: 1
Eggs: 1
Fabric: 1
Control Weeds That Host Worms
Many weeds like dandelions, clover, and alfalfa can harbor worm pests. Removing these weedy plants from around your autumn sage will eliminate alternate food sources and breeding grounds for the worms.
Frequency of Entities:
Dandelions: 1
Clover: 1
Alfalfa: 1
Use Chemical Insecticides as a Last Resort
If organic options have failed to control heavy worm infestations, chemical insecticides like carbaryl, spinosad, or Bt may be warranted. Apply according to label directions and take proper safety precautions. Avoid broad spectrum chemicals that can negatively impact beneficial insects.
Frequency of Entities:
Carbaryl: 1
Spinosad: 1
Bt: 1
Catching worm problems early and taking a multi-pronged approach to control is key. Combining methods like handpicking, row covers, beneficial nematodes, and targeted sprays can help eliminate worms and prevent future damage to your autumn sage plants. With persistence, you can protect their foliage and flowers and maintain your sage’s ornamental beauty.
k
Bright Red Autumn Sage – Salvia greggii
FAQ
How do I stop bugs from eating my sage?
How to get rid of worms in plant soil?
How do you get rid of bugs on sage plants?
Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of a mild dish detergent, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a gallon of water to make a solution that will repel all kinds of bugs, as well as a fungicide for mildew on the sage plant leaves. Shake it well in your bottle before spraying and repeat every week for it to be continuously effective.
How do you care for autumn sage?
Autumn sage is a fairly easy-going plant. Here are the main care requirements for growing autumn sage. Plant in a spot that gets lots of sunlight, ideally at least six hours. Place in dry, well-drained soil, but do not plant in wet, clay-based soil. Water moderately, though autumn sage is fairly drought-tolerant once established.
How do you protect Sage from pests?
Plant sage in a location that is protected from pests. This could include planting it in a garden bed that is surrounded by a fence or planting it under a tree. Water sage regularly to keep the soil moist. This will help to deter pests, such as aphids, which are attracted to dry plants.
How do you get rid of mildew on a sage plant?
Make your own pest spray. You can make your own pest spray with benign materials. Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda, 1/2 teaspoon of a mild dish detergent, and 2 1/2 tablespoons of olive oil in a gallon of water to make a solution that will repel all kinds of bugs, as well as a fungicide for mildew on the sage plant leaves.