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Japanese hop · Humulus scandens

Why are there bugs on my Japanese hop?

Japanese hops are fast growers that often attract aphids, especially on the tender new shoots. Check the undersides of your leaves for tiny green or black insects to confirm they are the culprit.

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. Inspect the undersides of new leaves for clusters of insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the stems.
  3. Check for fine webbing between leaf nodes.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of small, soft bodied insects on the stems and leaf undersides. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. Follow up with an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray applied every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the foliage. These pests thrive in dry, hot conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat with neem oil once a week.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your japanese hop

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

Small numbers are manageable, but if the leaves start curling or turning yellow, you need to treat the plant immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and check it weekly for early signs of pests.

Japanese hop: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your japanese hop 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

Can I use dish soap to kill the aphids?
Yes, a mild solution of one teaspoon of dish soap per quart of water works well. Just make sure it does not contain degreasers or bleach.
Will these bugs kill my plant?
If left untreated, a massive infestation can weaken the plant and stunt its growth. Early intervention keeps your hop healthy.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Japanese hop

Back to the Japanese hop 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.