Can I just use dish soap?

A very diluted mixture of mild dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.

Will these bugs kill my bindweed?

Large bindweed is very resilient and rarely dies from aphids alone. However, they can stunt growth if left unchecked for a long time.

Why are there bugs on my Large bindweed? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of tiny insects.
Check for sticky honeydew on the stems.
Look for fine webbing near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the tender new growth. They often 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 insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.
Spider mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry and dusty conditions.
What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. Use a miticide if the infestation covers more than a few leaves.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your large bindweed

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

Small numbers are common and easy to manage. Worry if the leaves begin to curl or turn yellow from heavy feeding.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and check it weekly for early signs of pests.

Large bindweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your large bindweed 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

Can I just use dish soap?: A very diluted mixture of mild dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using soaps with degreasers or heavy fragrances.
Will these bugs kill my bindweed?: Large bindweed is very resilient and rarely dies from aphids alone. However, they can stunt growth if left unchecked for a long time.

Why are there bugs on my Large bindweed?

Check these first

Likely causes

Aphid infestation

Spider mites

Find out what's wrong with your large bindweed

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Large bindweed: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Large bindweed