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Abelia

Why are there bugs on my Abelia?

Seeing tiny insects on your Abelia is usually a sign of aphids or scale. Check the undersides of the leaves and new growth first to see what you are dealing with.

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pests on a plant
Photo: Jules Verne Times Two, CC BY-SA 4.0

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of small insects.
  2. Check stems for hard, brown bumps that look like scales.
  3. Look for sticky residue on the leaves below the infestation.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the tender new growth. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Scale

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps on the stems or leaf veins. They do not move and are often mistaken for part of the plant.

    What to do: Scrape them off gently with a soft brush or your fingernail. Apply horticultural oil to the stems to suffocate any remaining eggs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your abelia

The list above covers the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at a photo of your actual plant and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

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When to worry

A few bugs are normal, but if the growth is stunted or leaves are curling, you need to treat the plant immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and airflow to make it less attractive to pests.

Abelia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your abelia and Pocket Botanist tells you which cause is most likely, how serious it is, and what to try first. A few checks a day are free. Save the plant and you get care reminders timed for it.

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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my Abelia?
Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and cause distorted growth. It is best to treat them early.
Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
You can, but make sure it is a mild, non-detergent soap. Mix a few drops with water and spray it on the pests.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Abelia

Back to the Abelia guide

This article was generated with AI on from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.