Will these bugs kill my plant?

If left untreated for a long time, they can drain enough sap to severely weaken or kill the plant. Early intervention keeps your lantana healthy.

Can I just wash them off?

A strong spray of water helps reduce the population, but it rarely removes every egg. Follow up with an insecticidal soap for the best results.

Trailing Lantana: pests, causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the leaves for small white insects.
Shake the branches gently to see if any bugs fly out.
Check for sticky residue on the foliage.

Likely causes

Whitefly infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see tiny white, moth like insects flying up when you touch the plant. The leaves may also look sticky or develop a black sooty mold.
What to do: Spray the entire plant with insecticidal soap or neem oil. Make sure to coat the undersides of the leaves thoroughly. Repeat this treatment every 5 to 7 days until the bugs are gone.
Poor air circulation
Possible
How to tell: The plant is crowded or pressed against a wall where air cannot move freely. This creates a stagnant environment that attracts pests.
What to do: Prune back overgrown branches to open up the center of the plant. Ensure there is at least 6 inches of space between your lantana and other plants or structures.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your trailing 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

If the leaves are turning yellow and dropping off, the infestation is severe and needs immediate treatment. A few bugs are manageable, but a full colony will weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant in full sun and maintain good spacing to ensure plenty of airflow. Regularly rinsing the leaves with a sharp stream of water can also discourage pests from settling in.

Trailing Lantana: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your trailing 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 plant?: If left untreated for a long time, they can drain enough sap to severely weaken or kill the plant. Early intervention keeps your lantana healthy.
Can I just wash them off?: A strong spray of water helps reduce the population, but it rarely removes every egg. Follow up with an insecticidal soap for the best results.

Guides to these causes

Whitefly

Why are there tiny white bugs on my Trailing Lantana?