Are these bugs harmful?

Yes, they suck the sap out of your plant and can stunt its growth. They also spread viruses between plants.

Can I use household soap?

Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild dish soap diluted heavily with water. Avoid harsh detergents that might burn the leaves.

Why are there bugs on my Sodom Apple? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the tips of new growth for clusters of tiny insects.
Check the undersides of leaves for sticky residue.
Look for ants traveling along the branches.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or yellow insects huddled together on new stems. They leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply neem oil or insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: You notice ants crawling up and down the stems constantly. They protect aphids to harvest the honeydew.
What to do: Treat the aphids first, as the ants will leave once their food source is gone. You can also place a sticky barrier around the base of the stem to block them.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your sodom apple

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

It is normal to see a few bugs occasionally, but you should worry if the new growth starts curling or turning black from heavy feeding.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the plant healthy with plenty of direct sun and avoid overfertilizing, as excess nitrogen attracts aphids.

Sodom Apple: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your sodom apple 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

Are these bugs harmful?: Yes, they suck the sap out of your plant and can stunt its growth. They also spread viruses between plants.
Can I use household soap?: Stick to insecticidal soap or a very mild dish soap diluted heavily with water. Avoid harsh detergents that might burn the leaves.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Sodom Apple?