What Eats Geraniums

If you’ve noticed holes in your geraniums, you’re likely wondering what eats geraniums. These popular flowers are tough but face several common garden pests that can damage their leaves, stems, and blooms.

This guide will help you identify the culprits and give you clear, effective strategies to protect your plants. We’ll cover everything from tiny sap-suckers to larger leaf-munchers so you can take action fast.

Several insects and animals find geraniums attractive. The damage they cause is your first clue. Chewed leaves, sticky residue, or stunted growth point to different pests.

Correct identification is the most important step. Treating for the wrong bug wastes time and can harm beneficial insects. Let’s look at the most frequent offenders.

1. Geranium Budworms (Tobacco Budworms)

This is often the top suspect. The geranium budworm is a caterpillar that tunnels into flower buds before they open. You’ll see small holes in the buds and petals, or the blooms may fail to open entirely.

Look for small, dark droppings near the damage. The caterpillars themselves can be green, brown, or reddish.

Identification: Caterpillars up to 2 inches long. They hide during the day inside buds.
Damage: Holes in buds and flowers, bud drop.
Control: Hand-pick at dusk. Use Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) spray, a natural bacteria that targets caterpillars. Apply in the evening when they are active.

2. Aphids

These tiny, soft-bodied insects cluster on new growth and undersides of leaves. They suck plant sap, causing leaves to curl and distort. They also excrete a sticky substance called honeydew.

Honeydew can lead to sooty mold, a black fungus that coats leaves. Ants are often present, as they farm the aphids for this honeydew.

Identification: Small, pear-shaped insects in green, black, or pink.
Damage: Curled leaves, sticky residue, stunted growth.
Control: A strong blast of water from a hose knocks them off. Insecticidal soap or neem oil sprays are very effective. Encourage ladybugs and lacewings, which are natural predators.

3. Spider Mites

These are not insects but tiny arachnids, related to spiders. They thrive in hot, dry conditions. You’ll often notice fine, silky webbing on the plant before you see the mites themselves.

They cause stippling—tiny yellow or white dots on leaves—as they feed. Severe infestations lead to bronzed, dried leaves that drop off.

Identification: Pinpoint-sized moving dots (use a magnifying glass). Webbing on stems and leaf undersides.
Damage: Speckled, discolored leaves, webbing, leaf drop.
Control: Increase humidity with regular misting. Spray plants thoroughly with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, making sure to coat the undersides of leaves.

4. Whiteflies

These small, white, moth-like flies swarm when the plant is disturbed. Like aphids, they suck sap and produce honeydew. They can quickly weaken a plant and spread disease.

They are often found in large numbers on the undersides of leaves. Yellow sticky traps are a good monitoring tool.

Identification: Tiny white insects that fly up in a cloud.
Damage: Yellowing leaves, sticky honeydew, sooty mold.
Control: Yellow sticky traps catch adults. Neem oil or insecticidal soap applied to leaf undersides controls nymphs and adults. Be persistent, as they reproduce quickly.

5. Slugs and Snails

These nocturnal pests leave large, irregular holes in leaves and a tell-tale silvery slime trail. They are especially problematic in damp, shady garden areas.

They tend to hide under debris, pots, or boards during the day. You’ll usually find the damage overnight or in the early morning.

Identification: Ragged leaf edges, slime trails on leaves or soil.
Damage: Large, chewed holes in foliage.
Control: Hand-pick them at night with a flashlight. Set up beer traps (a shallow dish sunk into the soil). Use iron phosphate-based baits, which are safe for pets and wildlife.

6. Japanese Beetles and Other Chewing Insects

While geraniums are not their favorite, Japanese beetles and some caterpillars (like cabbage loopers) will eat the leaves, leaving behind skeletonized foliage or large chunks missing.

Japanese beetles are metallic blue-green and easy to spot. They feed in groups during the day.

Identification: Visible beetles or larger caterpillars on leaves.
Damage: Skeletonized leaves or large, irregular holes.
Control: Hand-pick beetles and drop them into soapy water. For caterpillars, use Bt spray. Floating row covers can provide a physical barrier.

Less Common but Possible Pests

In some regions, you might also encounter these pests:

Mealybugs: Look like tiny bits of white cotton in leaf axils. Treat with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or insecticidal soap.
Leafminers: Create winding, white trails inside the leaf tissue. Remove and destroy affected leaves.
Deer and Rabbits: Will occasionally browse on geraniums, especially young, tender plants. Fencing is the most reliable deterrent.

Your Step-by-Step Pest Control Plan

Follow these steps to tackle any pest problem on your geraniums.

Step 1: Inspect Your Plants Regularly

Make it a habit to check your geraniums at least once a week. Look under leaves, inside buds, and along stems. Early detection makes control much easier.

Step 2: Identify the Pest Correctly

Use the descriptions above to match the damage and the insect. If your unsure, take a clear photo or collect a sample in a sealed bag and ask at your local garden center.

Step 3: Start with the Least Toxic Method

Always begin with gentle, physical controls. This preserves beneficial insects and is safer for your garden ecosystem.

Physical Removal: Hand-pick larger pests like caterpillars, beetles, slugs, and snails. Prune off and bag heavily infested leaves or buds.
Water Spray: A strong jet of water dislodges aphids, spider mites, and whiteflies.
Barriers & Traps: Use copper tape for slugs/snails, or set out yellow sticky traps for whiteflies and flying aphids.

Step 4: Apply Organic or Chemical Treatments as Needed

If physical controls aren’t enough, move to targeted treatments. Always follow the label instructions carefully.

For sucking insects (Aphids, Whiteflies, Spider Mites): Use insecticidal soap or neem oil. Coat all plant surfaces, especially undersides of leaves. Reapply every 5-7 days as needed.
For caterpillars (Budworms): Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis). It’s most effective on young caterpillars.
As a last resort for severe infestations, consider a botanical insecticide like pyrethrin, but use it sparingly to avoid harming pollinators.

Step 5: Encourage Beneficial Insects

Plant a diverse garden with flowers like yarrow, dill, and cosmos to attract ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These natural predators will help keep pest populations in check for you.

Prevention is the Best Medicine

Healthy geraniums are more resistant to pests. Follow these cultural practices to prevent problems before they start.

Proper Planting: Give plants enough space for good air circulation. This reduces humidity that pests like spider mites love.
Watering: Water at the base of the plant, not overhead, to keep foliage dry. Avoid overwatering, which can stress plants.
Fertilizing: Don’t over-fertilize, especially with high-nitrogen formulas. This can promote the soft, succulent growth that aphids prefer.
Cleanliness: Remove fallen leaves and debris from around plants to eliminate hiding spots for slugs and snails.
Inspect New Plants: Always check new geraniums (or any plants) for pests before bringing them home and placing them near your garden.

FAQ: Common Questions About Geranium Pests

Q: What is eating my geraniums at night?
A: Slugs, snails, and some caterpillars (like budworms) are primarily nocturnal. Go out after dark with a flashlight to catch them in the act.

Q: Why are there holes in my geranium leaves?
A: Holes are typically caused by chewing insects. Small holes in buds point to budworms. Large, ragged holes are likely from slugs, snails, or beetles.

Q: How do I get rid of bugs on my geraniums naturally?
A: Start with hand-picking and spraying with water. Then use natural products like insecticidal soap, neem oil, or Bt. Encouraging beneficial insects is a great long-term strategy.

Q: Do geraniums keep pests away from other plants?
A: Some gardeners believe the scent of scented geraniums can repel certain pests, like Japanese beetles. While they may have a slight deterrent effect, it’s not a foolproof method and shouldn’t be relied upon alone.

Q: Are geraniums resistant to any pests?
A> Geraniums are generally resistant to deer and rabbits, though hungry animals may still sample them. They have few serious disease problems, which makes them a relatively low-maintenance choice.

By knowing what eats geraniums and taking a proactive approach, you can enjoy their vibrant color all season long. Regular checks and quick, targeted action will keep your plants healthy and beautiful.