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Black chokeberry · Aronia melanocarpa

Why are there bugs on my Black chokeberry?

Pests like aphids love to cluster on the tender new growth of your Black chokeberry. Check the tips of the branches first to see if you have an active colony.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the tips of new growth for clusters of tiny bugs.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves for sticky residue.
  3. Examine the plant for fine webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves and new stems. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Blast the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your garden hose. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the label instructions.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for very fine webbing between the leaves or stems. The leaves may also look stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting it or ensuring the soil stays evenly moist. Use a horticultural oil to treat the mites if the population is large.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your black chokeberry

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 the new growth starts to curl or yellow significantly. A few bugs are normal, but a full infestation can weaken the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and avoid over fertilizing, which creates the soft growth aphids prefer.

Black chokeberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your black chokeberry 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

Are these bugs harmful?
Aphids suck sap from the plant, which can stunt growth if left unchecked. They also attract ants and can lead to sooty mold.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
Use only mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Commercial insecticidal soaps are safer and more effective for your shrub.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Black chokeberry

Back to the Black chokeberry 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.