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New York fern · Amauropelta noveboracensis

Why are there bugs on my New York fern?

It is less common for this fern to have pests, but they can show up if the air is too dry. Check the undersides of the fronds for tiny webs or sticky residue.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of the fronds with a flashlight.
  2. Look for fine webbing or sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check nearby plants for signs of infestation.

Likely causes

  1. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: You will see fine webbing between the leaflets and tiny yellow stippling on the fronds. These pests thrive in dry indoor air.

    What to do: Increase humidity by misting the plant daily or using a pebble tray. Wipe the fronds gently with a damp cloth to remove the mites and their webs.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, brown, stationary bumps on the stems or fronds. They suck sap and leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Pick them off by hand using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Check the plant weekly to ensure no new bumps appear.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your new york fern

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

Worry if you see webbing spreading rapidly or if the fronds start turning yellow and dropping. A few stray bugs are manageable with quick action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the air around your fern humid and avoid placing it near heating vents. Regularly cleaning the fronds with a soft, damp cloth keeps pests away.

New York fern: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your new york fern 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

Can I use neem oil on my fern?
Ferns can be sensitive to oils, so it is safer to use a gentle insecticidal soap or just water. Always test a small area first.
Will these pests kill my fern?
If left untreated for a long time, yes. Early detection is key to keeping your plant healthy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with New York fern

Back to the New York fern 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.