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Bell Pepper · Capsicum annuum annuum

What are these bugs on my chili pepper plant?

Pests like aphids love the tender new growth of chili plants. Check the tips of your stems and the undersides of leaves for these tiny visitors.

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

Check these first

  1. Look at the very tips of new growth.
  2. Check the undersides of leaves.
  3. Look for sticky residue on leaves.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small insects cluster on new growth and suck plant sap.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. You can also use insecticidal soap once a week until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between leaves and the foliage looks stippled.

    What to do: Increase humidity around the plant and wash the leaves with water. Use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your bell pepper

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 bugs and growth has stopped, you need to act fast. A few bugs are normal and easily removed.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants every few days and spray them down if you see any early signs of pests.

Bell Pepper: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your bell pepper 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

Do I need chemicals to kill aphids?
No, a simple soap and water mix or just water is usually enough. Avoid harsh pesticides.
Will aphids kill my chili plant?
They can weaken it significantly if left unchecked. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Bell Pepper

Back to the Bell Pepper 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.