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Ackee · Blighia sapida

What are these bugs on my Ackee tree?

Ackee trees are prone to scale insects, which look like small brown bumps on the stems and leaves. Check the undersides of your leaves to see if these pests are hiding there.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the stems for small bumps.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves for sticky residue.
  3. Wipe a leaf with a damp cloth to see if insects come off.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, raised, brown or tan bumps on the stems and leaf veins. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Scrape the insects off gently with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Follow up by spraying the entire plant with neem oil once a week for three weeks.

  2. Low Humidity

    Possible

    How to tell: Dry conditions can weaken the tree and make it more susceptible to pest infestations. You might notice the leaves looking dull or dusty.

    What to do: Mist the leaves occasionally or place the plant in a spot with better airflow. Keep the tree away from direct heat vents.

When to worry

If the infestation covers the entire tree, it can drain the plant of energy and lead to leaf drop. Treat it as soon as you spot the first few bumps.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your tree weekly for any signs of new growth or pests. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down with water occasionally.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your ackee.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Are scale insects harmful?
Yes, they suck the sap from your tree, which stunts growth and can cause leaves to yellow and fall off.
Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
No, neem oil or simple rubbing alcohol is usually enough to manage scale on an Ackee tree.

More problems with Ackee

Back to the Ackee guide

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