Will these bugs kill my tree?

Usually no, but they can weaken it significantly. Treat them early to keep your eucalyptus looking its best.

Can I use systemic pesticides?

It is better to avoid them if you have birds or beneficial insects in your yard. Stick to organic soaps or oils first.

Eucalyptus: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for small beetles.
Look for sticky residue on the stems.
Check if the damage is concentrated on new growth.

Likely causes

Eucalyptus weevil
Most likely
How to tell: You will see skeletonized leaves where the tissue between veins is eaten away. Look for small, dark beetles or their larvae on the stems.
What to do: Pick off any visible beetles by hand. Spray the foliage with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7 days until the infestation clears.
Aphids
Possible
How to tell: New growth looks curled or sticky with a shiny substance called honeydew. These tiny insects cluster on tender stems.
What to do: Blast the pests off with a strong stream of water from your hose. Apply insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks to ensure they are gone.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your eucalyptus

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

If the entire plant is skeletonized, it may struggle to recover. A few holes here and there are usually manageable.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with proper sun and water to help it resist pest attacks. Inspect your plant monthly during the growing season.

Eucalyptus: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your eucalyptus 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 tree?: Usually no, but they can weaken it significantly. Treat them early to keep your eucalyptus looking its best.
Can I use systemic pesticides?: It is better to avoid them if you have birds or beneficial insects in your yard. Stick to organic soaps or oils first.

Guides to these causes

Aphids

Why are there holes in my eucalyptus leaves?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your eucalyptus?