Will aphids kill my Deutzia?

Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Treat them early to prevent damage to new buds.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the leaves.

Why are there bugs on my Slender Deutzia? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
Check for ants moving along the branches.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the stems and leaf undersides. The leaves may look curled or sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
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.
Ant farming
Possible
How to tell: You notice ants crawling up and down the stems constantly. They are likely protecting the aphids to harvest their honeydew.
What to do: Focus on clearing 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 plant to stop ants from climbing.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your slender deutzia

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 serious if the growth becomes severely stunted or the leaves start to yellow and drop. A few stray bugs are normal and easily managed.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper watering and airflow to make it less attractive to pests.

Slender deutzia: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your slender deutzia 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

Will aphids kill my Deutzia?: Usually no, but they can weaken the plant and make it look messy. Treat them early to prevent damage to new buds.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: A very mild solution of water and a drop of dish soap can work, but commercial insecticidal soap is safer for the leaves.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there bugs on my Slender Deutzia?