Photo: Elizabeth Kay / Unsplash

Aloes and agaves are beloved across California landscapes for their dramatic shapes and drought tolerance. But while they’re hardy succulents, they’re not invincible. A few key pests can cause serious damage — even death — if left unchecked.

Here are three of the most common aloe and agave pests to look out for in your garden:

Agave Snout Weevil

The agave snout weevil (Scyphophorus acupunctatus) is one of the most destructive pests for agaves. Adult weevils bore into the base of the plant to lay eggs. Once hatched, larvae tunnel through roots and tissues, often causing the entire plant to collapse.

Signs to watch for: small entrance holes at the base, yellowing or wilting leaves, or plants suddenly toppling. Unfortunately, infestations are hard to detect until damage is severe. Removing infested plants (and the surrounding soil) is critical to stopping spread. Narrow-leaf agave varieties may be less attractive to these weevils.

Aloe Mite

Also called aloe gall mite (Aceria aloinis), this microscopic pest distorts leaves and flower stalks with abnormal, tumorlike growths. The damage is permanent but usually not fatal. Still, aloe mites can weaken plants and affect appearance.

Management tips: If you notice distortions early, remove affected leaves or tissues and dispose of them carefully. Preventive measures and thorough applications of insecticidal soaps or miticides can help reduce infestations.

Agave Mite

Photo: Clay Banks / Unsplash

Agave mites (Oziella sp.) hide deep within the base of leaves and feed on plant tissue, creating greasy streaks and scars. Severe infestations can cause stunted growth, collapsed cores, and plant death. Powdery-blue agaves with medium leaves, like Parry’s agave, are particularly susceptible.

Prevention first: Because these mites live deep inside plants, chemical control is often ineffective. Sanitation and early removal of affected plants are the most reliable steps. Preventive treatments, like insecticidal soap on nearby healthy agaves, may also provide some protection.

Keeping Your Succulents Healthy

For both aloe and agave, the best defense is prevention:

• Inspect plants regularly for early signs of pests.
• Remove and safely dispose of infested plants or leaves.
• Avoid overcrowding to promote airflow.
• Consider resistant or less-susceptible varieties.

By staying vigilant, you can enjoy the beauty of these iconic succulents without losing them to hidden pests.

Reference

Learn more from the University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources (UC ANR) blog on aloe and agave pests.