Are these pests harmful to humans?

No, scale insects and leaf miners are specific to plants and do not bite or harm people.

Can I use soap to kill them?

Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against many soft bodied pests, but follow the directions carefully to avoid leaf burn.

How do I get rid of pests on my holly? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Examine the stems for small, hard bumps.
Check the leaf surfaces for winding, light colored trails.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves or nearby surfaces.

Likely causes

Scale Insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, immobile, brown or tan bumps on the stems and leaf veins.
What to do: Gently scrape the scales off with a soft brush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, apply horticultural oil according to the label.
Leaf Miners
Possible
How to tell: Visible winding trails or tunnels appear between the upper and lower leaf surfaces.
What to do: Prune and destroy the affected leaves immediately to stop the larvae. Use a systemic insecticide if the infestation persists.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your holly

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

Small numbers of pests are manageable, but you should worry if the plant shows signs of stunted growth or heavy leaf drop.

Stopping it coming back

Regularly inspect your plant and keep it healthy with proper light and water to boost its natural defenses.

Holly: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Are these pests harmful to humans?: No, scale insects and leaf miners are specific to plants and do not bite or harm people.
Can I use soap to kill them?: Yes, insecticidal soap is effective against many soft bodied pests, but follow the directions carefully to avoid leaf burn.

How do I get rid of pests on my holly?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your holly?

Likely causes

Scale Insects

Leaf Miners

Find out what's wrong with your holly

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Holly: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Holly