Ivy plants serve many purposes, from creating lush, full appearances on fences and buildings to acting as a ground cover in areas where turfgrass will not grow. If your outdoor ivy plant develops holes in its leaves, its appearance can detract from its ornamental qualities. Holes also indicate that pests may be feasting on your ivy.

    Holes in ivy leaves signal that caterpillars, slugs, snails, or beetles are feeding on the foliage. Ivy is susceptible to pests, including the spotted cucumber beetle and vinegar fly larvae. By identifying the culprit causing the holes, you can take steps to control the pest population through targeted treatment and prevent further damage.


    Inspect Ivy Foliage

    To determine the offending pest, inspect the ivy’s leaves, including undersides, for any visible bugs or pests. A magnifying glass can help you spot tiny insects. Caterpillars may cling to the bottom of leaves while they eat, so check carefully. Also, look for small black beetles, slugs, and snail shells. 

    Today’s Homeowner Tips

    Examine your foliage during daylight and after dark, using a flashlight to spot nocturnal pests. Look for movement on the leaves and insect droppings or slime trails.


    Control Measures

    Once you’ve identified the pest eating your ivy, choose an organic or chemical control method. Start with manual and natural pest control options first before resorting to pesticides, which can be hazardous. Among your options:

    Working in the early morning or evening when pests are active, pluck caterpillars, beetles, slugs, and snails from foliage by hand and drop them into a bucket of soapy water. Be thorough: even a few uncaught pests can multiply fast. Wear gardening gloves to protect your skin from irritation. 

    Set traps for slugs and snails. Place traps near ivy beds. Traps use bait to lure the pests, who drown or dehydrate. For beetles, use pheromone traps to attract and capture the insects, or smear a sticky substance like petroleum jelly onto a cardboard square and set it out overnight near plants.

    Sprinkle diatomaceous earth around the base of ivy plants. The powder’s sharp edges cut through soft-bodied pests like slugs. You can also spray leaves with natural weed killers like neem oil, insecticidal soap, or a garlic repellent. These organic options deter pests without harsh chemicals. Re-apply the solution after a rain.

    Apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt), a natural bacteria that kills caterpillars when ingested but is safe for people. It comes in ready-to-use formulas as a spray and dust. Once caterpillars ingest the bacteria, they stop feeding and perish within a few days. Apply Bt to leaves as soon as you notice chewed foliage or holes.

    Release ladybugs, lacewings, and other predatory insects near ivy beds. They feed on species like aphids, caterpillars, and beetles. You can buy other live beneficial insects from garden centers. Follow release instructions to make sure they stay and breed in your landscape.

    Insecticidal sprays provide thorough, quick pest control. Look for products containing pyrethrin, neem oil, or spinosad. Before spraying, note if your ivy variety is sensitive to certain pesticides that could cause leaf burn. Always follow label directions.


    Prevent Future Damage

    Along with controlling existing pests, take proactive steps to prevent future infestations on your ivy. Tips to follow include:

    • Remove weeds around ivy beds to remove alternate food sources and hiding spots for pests.
    • Keep ivy foliage dry by watering at the base of plants. Moist leaves invite pests and diseases.
    • Apply a layer of mulch around the ivy to deter crawling insects. Replenish as needed.
    • Prune off heavily damaged ivy stems to promote new growth. Discard infested clippings.
    • Check under planter rims‌ — ‌slugs and snails like to hide here. Remove them by hand.
    • Look at ivy regularly for early signs of pests before they multiply.

    With persistence and repeated pest management efforts, you can get an ivy infestation under control. The key is acting at the first sign of leaf damage.


    So, Is It Difficult Controlling Pests on Ivy?

    It’s not difficult to control pests on ivy. While pests are annoying and damaging, you can control them through diligent monitoring, proper identification, and effective removal methods before infestations worsen. Combining multiple techniques also boosts your chances of success.

    The most challenging aspect of ivy pest removal is that new generations of pests can rapidly reinfest ivy beds. You must be observant and take action at the first evidence of pest infestation. Identifying the culprit also makes a difference‌. For instance, spraying pesticides may kill beetles but do not affect slugs.

    With consistent, thorough efforts, you can manage even persistent ivy pests. And taking some preventive steps can deter future infestations so your ivy stays lush and vibrant.


    FAQs About Controlling Pests on Ivy

    What causes holes in ivy leaves?

    Holes in ivy are usually from caterpillars, slugs, snails, spotted cucumber beetles, or vinegar fly larvae feasting on the foliage. Other potential causes include fungal leaf spots, which normally cause brown spots rather than holes.


    What is eating my ivy leaves?

    Common ivy pests that eat leaves include caterpillars, slugs, snails, and leaf-feeding beetles. Caterpillars are moth or butterfly larvae that chew irregular holes. Slugs and snails leave behind slime trails and make small, rounded holes. Spotted cucumber beetles are black with yellow spots, and riddle leaves with small holes.


    How do I get rid of beetles on my ivy?

    To control beetles on your ivy, hand-pick any insects you see and drop them in soapy water. You can also set out pheromone traps, spray leaves with insecticidal soap, or apply neem oil. Attract beneficial insects that prey on beetles, like ladybugs and lacewings. Sticky traps or petroleum jelly barriers can capture beetles overnight.


    What insecticide kills ivy pests?

    Effective insecticides for killing ivy pests include Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) for caterpillars, pyrethrin sprays for a broad range of insects, neem oil for beetles and larvae, and pesticides containing spinosad for caterpillars and beetles. Always follow label directions. Do not use insecticides if pollinators are foraging.


    When should I apply Bt to ivy?

    Apply Bt (Bacillus thuringiensis) when you first notice chewed holes in ivy leaves, frass near the base of plants, or visible caterpillars on your foliage. This biological insecticide affects only caterpillars ‌ — ‌not mature butterflies or moths‌. Bugs must consume it for it to work. You may need follow-up applications as new generations hatch.


    Editorial Contributors
    avatar for Jonathon Jachura

    Jonathon Jachura

    Contributor

    Jonathon Jachura is a two-time homeowner with hands-on experience with HVAC, gutters, plumbing, lawn care, pest control, and other aspects of owning a home. He is passionate about home maintenance and finding the best services. His main goal is to educate others with crisp, concise descriptions that any homeowner can use. Jon uses his strong technical background to create engaging, easy-to-read, and informative guides. He does most of his home and lawn projects himself but hires professional companies for the “big things.” He knows what goes into finding the best service providers and contractors. Jon studied mechanical engineering at Purdue University in Indiana and worked in the HVAC industry for 12 years. Between his various home improvement projects, he enjoys the outdoors, a good cup of coffee, and spending time with his family.

    Learn More

    photo of Sabrina Lopez

    Sabrina Lopez

    Editor

    Sabrina Lopez is a senior editor for Today’s Homeowner with over 7 years of writing and editing experience in digital media. She has reviewed content across categories that matter to homeowners, including HVAC services, home renovations, lawn and garden care, products for the home, and insurance services. When she’s not reviewing articles to make sure they are helpful, accessible, and engaging for homeowners like herself, Sabrina enjoys spending time with her family and their two parrots.

    Learn More