Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

Ginkgo · Ginkgo biloba

Are there bugs on my Ginkgo tree?

Ginkgo trees are quite hardy, but they can occasionally attract scale insects that feed on the sap. Check your branches closely to see if these small pests are causing the trouble.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the branches for small, stationary bumps.
  2. Check if the leaves look sticky or shiny.
  3. Feel the soil to see if the tree is thirsty.

Likely causes

  1. Scale Insects

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small, bump like growths on the branches that look like tiny shells. They often cluster together and can cause the tree to look weak or lose vigor.

    What to do: Scrape off light infestations with a soft brush or your fingernail. For larger issues, apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to smother the insects.

  2. Environmental Stress

    Possible

    How to tell: The tree is struggling due to drought or poor soil, making it more susceptible to pest attacks. You might notice the tree looks generally unhappy before you even spot the bugs.

    What to do: Water your Ginkgo deeply every 7 to 14 days during dry spells. Ensure the soil is well draining to keep the roots healthy and strong.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your ginkgo

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

A few scale insects are rarely fatal, but a heavy infestation can stunt growth. If you see significant branch dieback, it is time to treat the tree immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your tree healthy with regular deep watering and proper sunlight, as a strong tree is much better at resisting pests.

Ginkgo: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

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

Questions people ask

Can I just wash the bugs off?
A strong spray of water can help remove some, but it rarely gets rid of all of them. Horticultural oil is much more effective.
Will these bugs kill my tree?
It is unlikely for a healthy, mature Ginkgo to die from scale. However, it can cause the tree to look thin and weak.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Ginkgo

Back to the Ginkgo 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.