Your Cool Home is supported by its readers. Please assume all links are affiliate links. If you purchase something from one of our links, we make a small commission from Amazon. Thank you!
Getting rid of bugs on cilantro starts with figuring out which pest is actually causing the damage.
Cilantro is one of those herbs that everybody loves, but sadly, bugs love it just as much as we do.
If you’ve been wondering how to get rid of bugs on cilantro without drenching your herbs in harsh chemicals, you’re in the right place.
The good news is that getting rid of bugs on cilantro is totally doable with a few simple, garden-friendly methods.
In this post, we’ll walk through the most common culprits, natural ways to get rid of bugs on cilantro, and how to keep them from coming back.
Let’s dig in.
Why Bugs Love Your Cilantro (And How to Spot Them)
Bugs on cilantro show up for the same reasons they show up on any tender leafy herb: cilantro is soft, full of moisture, and smells delicious.
Cilantro also grows fast and close together, which creates a cozy hiding spot for pests to hang out.
Before you can get rid of bugs on cilantro, you need to know who you’re dealing with.
Here are the usual suspects.
1. Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied bugs that cluster on the undersides of cilantro leaves and along new stems.
They suck sap from the plant, which makes leaves curl, yellow, and eventually wilt.
These bugs on cilantro also leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to sooty mold.
If you see little green, black, or white specks that don’t move much, that’s usually aphids.
2. Spider Mites
Spider mites are even smaller and often look like dust until they start moving.
They thrive in hot, dry conditions and spin fine webbing on cilantro leaves.
When these bugs on cilantro feed, they leave stippled, speckled leaves that look faded and dry.
Left alone, spider mites can wipe out a whole cilantro patch fast.
3. Whiteflies
Whiteflies are tiny, white, moth-like bugs that flutter up in a cloud when you disturb the plant.
They hide under cilantro leaves and feed on sap, weakening the plant over time.
These bugs on cilantro can also spread plant diseases, so you don’t want them hanging around.
4. Leafminers
Leafminers are the larvae of certain flies and moths that tunnel through cilantro leaves.
You’ll usually spot squiggly, whitish trails inside the leaf, which is a clear sign these bugs on cilantro have moved in.
The damage rarely kills the plant, but it does make cilantro look rough and unappetizing.
How to Get Rid of Bugs on Cilantro Naturally
Now for the good part.
Getting rid of bugs on cilantro doesn’t require toxic sprays.
Here are the most effective, natural ways to get rid of bugs on cilantro.
1. Blast Them Off With Water
A strong spray of water is one of the simplest ways to get rid of bugs on cilantro.
Just aim your hose or spray bottle at the undersides of the leaves where these bugs like to hide.
Do this in the morning so leaves have time to dry before evening.
Repeat every few days until the bugs on cilantro stop showing up.
2. Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap is a safe, gentle option for getting rid of bugs on cilantro.
It works best on soft-bodied pests like aphids, whiteflies, and spider mites.
Spray it directly on the bugs, covering both sides of the leaves.
Just remember to rinse cilantro well before eating it.
3. Try Neem Oil
Neem oil is another reliable way to get rid of bugs on cilantro because it disrupts their feeding and reproduction.
Mix it according to the label and spray in the early morning or late evening to avoid burning the leaves.
Neem oil also helps prevent fungal issues, which is a nice bonus.
4. Introduce Beneficial Insects
Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators that feed on bugs on cilantro.
If you’re gardening outdoors, encouraging these helpful insects can keep pest numbers down without any spraying.
You can even buy ladybugs online and release them near your cilantro patch.
5. Handpick Larger Pests
For bigger bugs like caterpillars or beetles, handpicking is the fastest way to get rid of bugs on cilantro.
Just check the plant in the morning or evening when pests are most active.
Drop them into a bucket of soapy water and you’re done.
How to Keep Bugs Off Cilantro for Good
Once you’ve managed to get rid of bugs on cilantro, the goal is keeping them away.
Good airflow, proper spacing, and regular inspection make a huge difference.
Water cilantro at the base instead of overhead, since wet leaves attract more bugs.
Remove weeds around your cilantro, because weeds often harbor pests.
Rotate where you plant cilantro each season so bugs don’t get comfortable.
And if you’re growing cilantro in containers, keep them clean and check the saucers for hiding bugs.
A little consistent care goes a long way toward keeping bugs on cilantro from taking over again.
So, How Do You Get Rid of Bugs on Cilantro?
You get rid of bugs on cilantro by identifying the pest first, then using natural methods like water sprays, insecticidal soap, neem oil, beneficial insects, and handpicking.
Cilantro is a magnet for aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, and leafminers, but none of them have to ruin your harvest.
With regular inspections and a few simple habits, you can get rid of bugs on cilantro and keep your plants healthy all season.
Now you know exactly how to get rid of bugs on cilantro without harsh chemicals.