Will these bugs kill my lantana?

If left untreated, severe infestations can weaken the plant and stop it from flowering. Most pests are manageable with regular care.

Should I use chemical pesticides?

Try gentle options like insecticidal soap or neem oil first. These are usually effective and safer for your garden.

What are these bugs on my lantana? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Shake the plant gently to see if anything flies out.
Look closely at the undersides of the leaves.
Check for sticky residue on the leaves.

Likely causes

Whiteflies
Most likely
How to tell: Small white insects fly up when you shake the plant. You will see them clustered on the undersides of the leaves.
What to do: Use a steady stream of water to wash them off the leaves. Follow up with an application of neem oil every 7 days.
Lantana Lace Bug
Most likely
How to tell: The leaves look mottled or stippled with yellow spots. You will see tiny black specks on the leaf undersides.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested branches to reduce the population. Apply insecticidal soap to the undersides of all remaining leaves.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your lantana

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

Treat pests as soon as you see them. If the plant is covered in webbing or insects, it may need a heavy pruning to recover.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with full sun and proper watering, as stressed plants are more attractive to pests.

Lantana: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Will these bugs kill my lantana?: If left untreated, severe infestations can weaken the plant and stop it from flowering. Most pests are manageable with regular care.
Should I use chemical pesticides?: Try gentle options like insecticidal soap or neem oil first. These are usually effective and safer for your garden.

Guides to these causes

Whitefly

What are these bugs on my lantana?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your lantana?