Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Yam · Dioscorea alata

How do I get rid of pests on my yam?

Yam plants are often bothered by scale insects that suck the sap from the vines. Check the stems and leaf undersides for small, bumps that look like tiny shells.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the stems closely for small bumps.
  2. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth to check for sticky residue.
  3. Look for tiny insects near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small brown or tan bumps on the stems that can be scraped off with a fingernail. The plant may also look weak or stunted.

    What to do: Dab the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, spray the entire plant with neem oil once a week for 3 weeks.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on new growth and the leaves may look sticky.

    What to do: Wash the plant off with a gentle stream of water in the shower. Follow up with an insecticidal soap spray to catch any remaining pests.

When to worry

A few insects are manageable, but if the vine stops growing or leaves start curling, you need to act immediately. Severe infestations can kill the plant.

Stopping it coming back

Inspect your plant every time you water it to catch pests early. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them down occasionally.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your yam.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf and tells you the likely cause, how serious it is, and what to try first. Identification and a health check are free.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Are these pests harmful to me?
No, scale and aphids are not harmful to humans or pets. They only feed on plant sap.
Do I need to isolate my yam?
Yes, move the infested plant away from your other houseplants to prevent the pests from spreading.

More problems with Yam

Back to the Yam guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.