Are leaf miners fatal?

They rarely kill a mature tree, but they can significantly damage young saplings. Keep the tree well-fed to help it outgrow the damage.

Can I use soap on my tree?

Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against many soft-bodied pests. Always spray in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Why does my citrus tree have pests? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look for winding trails on new leaves.
Check stems for small bumps or sticky residue.
Inspect the undersides of leaves.

Likely causes

Citrus leaf miner
Most likely
How to tell: You will see silvery, winding tunnels on the surface of young leaves. The leaves may curl as they grow.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested leaves to reduce the population. Use neem oil spray on new growth to deter the moths from laying eggs.
Scale insects
Possible
How to tell: Small brown bumps appear on stems or leaf veins. These bumps can be scraped off with a fingernail.
What to do: Wipe the stems with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, apply horticultural oil to smother the insects.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your citrus

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

A few pests are manageable, but a heavy infestation can stunt growth and weaken the tree. Treat early to prevent widespread damage.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with proper water and light, and inspect new leaves weekly during the spring.

Citrus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your citrus 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 leaf miners fatal?: They rarely kill a mature tree, but they can significantly damage young saplings. Keep the tree well-fed to help it outgrow the damage.
Can I use soap on my tree?: Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against many soft-bodied pests. Always spray in the evening to avoid burning the leaves in the sun.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why does my citrus tree have pests?