The plants are generally trouble-free, and when it comes to catnip, pest problems generally aren’t much of a problem. Spider mites are difficult to spot, but if you look closely, you may notice telltale webbing and tiny, black spots moving around the leaves. Leaves infested by spider mites are dry and take on a stippled, yellow appearance. Flea beetles are small beetles that jump when disturbed. The pests, which may be brown, black, or bronze, damage catnip by chewing holes in the leaves. Thrips, which may be black, brown, or gold, are tiny, narrow insects that suck the sweet juices from catnip plant leaves. As they feed, they leave silvery specks or streaks, and can significantly weaken a plant if left untreated. Whiteflies are tiny, sucking insects, generally found in huge numbers on the undersides of leaves. When disturbed, these catnip plant pests fly out in a cloud. (like aphids, whiteflies suck the juices from the plant and leave honeydew, a sticky substance that may attract black mold.) Soap sprays are effective against most catnip pest problems, and if used correctly, the spray poses a very low risk for bees, ladybugs, and other beneficial insects. Don’t spray if you notice friendly insects on the leaves. Don’t spray on hot days or when the sun is directly on the foliage.