Controlling Pests on Marigolds Without Chemicals

If something is eating your marigolds, the damage is often from slugs, earwigs, or beetles—not a mysterious disease. A simple, low-toxicity approach: scatter mothballs around the plants. Their strong odor repels many pests beyond just moths. Replace as the scent fades.

For a more targeted solution, inspect plants at night with a flashlight to identify the culprit. Hand-pick slugs and beetles. Diatomaceous earth around the base deters soft-bodied insects. Encourage natural predators like birds and ground beetles by providing habitat. Healthy, well-watered marigolds are less vulnerable to pest outbreaks.