Will these bugs kill my plant?

Usually no. Aphids can stunt growth, but milkweed bugs are mostly just a nuisance.

Should I use heavy pesticides?

Avoid them. Pesticides will kill the butterflies and pollinators that rely on your Green antelopehorn.

Green antelopehorn: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small clusters of insects.
Check the new growth tips for sticky residue or honeydew.
Look for orange and black bugs on the seed pods.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny green or yellow insects clustering on the tender new growth. They cause leaves to curl and stunt plant development.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong blast of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.
Milkweed bugs
Possible
How to tell: These are orange and black insects that feed on the seed pods and leaves. They rarely kill the plant but can look unsightly.
What to do: Hand pick the bugs off the plant if you want them gone. Since they are part of the milkweed ecosystem, it is often best to leave them alone unless the infestation is severe.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your green antelopehorn

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.

When to worry

Worry if the plant stops growing or if the leaves start yellowing significantly from the stress. A few bugs are normal for this native plant.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with full sun and proper spacing to encourage natural predators like ladybugs.

Green antelopehorn: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your green antelopehorn 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.

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my plant?: Usually no. Aphids can stunt growth, but milkweed bugs are mostly just a nuisance.
Should I use heavy pesticides?: Avoid them. Pesticides will kill the butterflies and pollinators that rely on your Green antelopehorn.

Why are there bugs on my Green antelopehorn?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your green antelopehorn?

Likely causes

Aphids

Milkweed bugs

Find out what's wrong with your green antelopehorn

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Green antelopehorn: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Green antelopehorn