Wheatgrass, the young shoots of the common wheat plant (Triticum aestivum), is valued for nutrition, consumed as juice or supplement. Its rich vitamins, minerals, and enzymes make it popular for humans and pets. This density attracts various organisms, from insects to grazing animals. Protecting wheatgrass from eaters is an ongoing consideration.
Common Insect Pests
Small insects damage wheatgrass, impacting growth. Aphids, tiny pear-shaped, feed by sucking sap, causing yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and honeydew encouraging sooty mold. Spider mites, minuscule arachnids, puncture plant cells, causing speckled or mottled appearance that can progress to yellowing or bronzing. Fine webbing indicates their presence.
Thrips, slender insects with rasping/sucking mouthparts, create silvery streaks or flecks on wheatgrass blades as they feed. Heavy infestations can deform leaves; dark fecal droppings may be visible. Slugs and snails, small pests, leave irregular holes with smooth edges on leaves. Active in moist conditions, their feeding results in shredded or frayed leaves, silvery slime trails. Black grass bugs feed on wheatgrass, sucking juices from blades, causing blotchy white/yellow discoloration or silvery, stippled appearance.
Larger Animal Grazers
Outdoors, wheatgrass attracts animals seeking food. Rabbits are frequent grazers, consuming young shoots and leaving clean, angled cuts on stems near the base. Excessive consumption can cause digestive issues.
Mice and voles gnaw on lower plant parts, their activity resulting in irregular chewing marks and sometimes complete plant removal.
Birds peck at tender blades; though not consuming large quantities, their pecking can damage grass tips. Deer, antelope, and elk graze on wheatgrass, especially in spring and fall, consuming significant portions. Their feeding involves tearing or pulling at the grass, leaving ragged edges.
Protecting Your Wheatgrass
Identify culprit by observing damage patterns and pest signs. Inspect leaves for discoloration, webbing, or chew marks; check undersides for tiny insects. For larger animals, look for droppings or tracks.
Physical barriers protect wheatgrass from small and large eaters. Fine mesh netting deters aphids and thrips; robust fencing prevents access by rabbits, rodents, larger wildlife. Maintaining good plant hygiene by removing dead or decaying plant material reduces attractants for pests, improves air circulation.
Natural deterrents employed: diluted soap sprays suffocate soft-bodied insects. Use household dish soap with caution; it can strip waxy coatings, cause leaf burn. Commercial insecticidal soaps safer.
Strong-scented herbs repel pests. Proper watering, avoiding overwatering prevents mold growth.