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Swamp milkweed · Asclepias incarnata

What are the bugs on my swamp milkweed?

Milkweed is a magnet for insects, which is great for butterflies but can sometimes cause issues for the plant. Check the undersides of the leaves for aphids or milkweed bugs.

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 leaves.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check the seed pods for clusters of bugs.

Likely causes

  1. Oleander Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of small, bright yellow insects on the stems and new growth.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week.

  2. Milkweed Bugs

    Possible

    How to tell: Orange and black bugs feeding on the seed pods or leaves.

    What to do: Handpick the bugs off the plant if the population is small. They generally do not cause enough damage to kill a healthy plant.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your swamp milkweed

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

If the plant is covered in aphids and the leaves start to curl or turn yellow, you should intervene. Small numbers of bugs are usually harmless.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden by planting diverse flowers.

Swamp milkweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your swamp milkweed 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 these bugs kill my plant?
Usually no. Swamp milkweed is tough and can handle a fair amount of insect activity.
Should I use systemic pesticides?
Avoid systemic pesticides as they can harm the monarch caterpillars that rely on your milkweed.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Swamp milkweed

Back to the Swamp milkweed 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.