Will these bugs kill my plant?

A small number of pests won't kill it, but they can stunt growth and cause leaf drop if left unchecked. Treat them as soon as you spot them.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

You can use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using heavy-duty degreasing soaps.

Why are there bugs on my Mexican Fleabane? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for tiny insects.
Look for fine webbing between the stems.
Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

Aphids
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, soft, green or black insects clustered on the stems and new buds. They often leave behind a sticky residue called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the plant with a firm stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks until they are gone.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for tiny white stippling or dots on the leaves and very fine webbing between the stems. These thrive when the air is hot and dry.
What to do: Increase humidity around the plant by misting it occasionally. Wipe the leaves with a damp cloth and use neem oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your mexican fleabane

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

Worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow from the damage. A few bugs are manageable, but a full colony will weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

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

Mexican fleabane: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your mexican fleabane 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 these bugs kill my plant?: A small number of pests won't kill it, but they can stunt growth and cause leaf drop if left unchecked. Treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: You can use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using heavy-duty degreasing soaps.

Why are there bugs on my Mexican Fleabane?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your mexican fleabane?

Likely causes

Aphids

Spider Mites

Find out what's wrong with your mexican fleabane

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Mexican fleabane: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Mexican fleabane