Why are there bumps on my feijoa leaves?

Check these first

1. Inspect the undersides of leaves and along stems for small bumps.
2. Check for sticky residue on the leaves or the ground below.
3. Examine fallen fruit for small holes or soft spots.

Likely causes

1. Scale Insects

   Most likely

   How to tell: You will see small, hard, brown or tan bumps that look like tiny shells on stems or leaf veins. They do not move and often leave a sticky residue called honeydew.

   What to do: Scrape off light infestations with a soft toothbrush or your fingernail. For larger issues, spray the entire plant with horticultural oil or neem oil every 7 to 10 days until they are gone.

2. Fruit Fly

   Possible

   How to tell: The fruit may drop prematurely or show tiny pinprick holes on the skin. If you cut open the fruit, you might find small larvae inside.

   What to do: Pick up all fallen fruit immediately to break the life cycle. Use exclusion bags over ripening fruit to prevent flies from laying eggs.

When to worry

If the plant is covered in sticky honeydew or you see black sooty mold growing on that residue, it is time to treat the plant immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your feijoa healthy with proper water and sun, as stressed plants attract pests more easily. Regularly wipe down leaves with a damp cloth to keep them clean.

Questions people ask

Can I use soap to kill scale?

Yes, a mild insecticidal soap works well. Make sure to coat the insects directly.

Will these pests kill my tree?

A light infestation is rarely fatal, but heavy scale can stunt growth and reduce fruit production.

More problems with Feijoa

• Why is my feijoa not producing flowers?
• Why are my feijoa leaves turning yellow?