How to identify
- Winding pale mines inside the leaf blade
- Creamy maggots inside the leaf when you peel the mine open
- Damage worst on outer leaves of greens
Damage: Ugly leaves; heavy mining reduces photosynthesis on seedlings.
Control methods
- Remove and trash mined leaves early.
- Floating row cover on spring spinach and chard.
- Keep beds weed-free; some weeds host miners.
What products to use
We list product types and what to check on the label — not brand rankings, prices, or “we tested” claims. Always follow the label for your crop, and prefer the least disruptive option that works.
Spinosad (labeled for leafminers)
When: Repeated mining on baby greens
Look for: Must be labeled for leafminers on leafy vegetables; coverage and timing matter