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Salal · Gaultheria shallon

What are these pests on my Salal?

Pests are less common for this plant, as Salal is naturally quite resistant to most garden bugs. When they do appear, it is usually because the plant is stressed by poor air circulation or improper humidity.

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

Check these first

  1. Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
  2. Check the stems for small bumps or sticky residue.
  3. Examine new growth for tiny clusters of insects.

Likely causes

  1. Scale

    Most likely

    How to tell: You see small, brown, bump like spots on the stems or undersides of leaves that can be scraped off.

    What to do: Dab the scales with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Repeat this weekly until the pests are gone.

  2. Aphids

    Possible

    How to tell: Tiny green or black insects cluster on new growth and cause the leaves to look curled or distorted.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, use a mild insecticidal soap once a week.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your salal

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.

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When to worry

Worry if you see heavy webbing or if the leaves start turning yellow and dropping. A few bugs are usually manageable with simple cleaning.

Stopping it coming back

Keep the area around your plant clean and ensure there is good air movement to discourage pests.

Salal: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your salal 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.

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Questions people ask

Do I need to use harsh chemicals?
No, avoid harsh pesticides. Physical removal or insecticidal soap is usually enough for this plant.
Will these pests kill my Salal?
Only if left untreated for a long time. Early detection makes them very easy to manage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Salal

Back to the Salal guide

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