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Crape myrtle · Lagerstroemia indica

Why is my Crape myrtle sticky and covered in bugs?

That sticky substance is honeydew, a sugary waste product left behind by aphids. These tiny pests cluster on the undersides of leaves and feed on the sap.

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

Check these first

  1. Look under the leaves for clusters of tiny insects.
  2. Check for ants running up and down the trunk.
  3. Feel the leaves for a sticky, sap-like coating.

Likely causes

  1. Aphid Infestation

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see tiny green or yellow insects on the undersides of leaves and a sticky, shiny residue on the foliage below. Ants are often seen crawling on the tree to feed on the honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the tree with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. If the infestation is heavy, use insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to coat the undersides of the leaves.

  2. Scale Insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, raised bumps or shells attached to the stems and branches. They also produce honeydew and can cause yellowing leaves.

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

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your crape myrtle

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

A few aphids are normal, but if the leaves start curling or turning yellow, you need to intervene. It is only a major problem if the tree is completely covered in sticky residue.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to visit your garden, as they are natural predators of aphids.

Crape myrtle: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your crape myrtle 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?
Usually, no. A strong blast of water or insecticidal soap is enough to handle most aphid problems without harming the environment.
Why are ants all over my tree?
The ants are farming the aphids for their sweet honeydew. If you get rid of the aphids, the ants will move on.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Crape myrtle

Back to the Crape myrtle 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.