Will these bugs kill my Acerola?

Usually not, but they can stunt growth and make the plant look sickly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.

Can I use dish soap to kill them?

You can, but use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or fragrances as they can burn the leaves.

Why are there bugs on my Acerola plant? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of the newest leaves for tiny moving insects.
Look for sticky residue on the leaves or stems.
Check if ants are crawling on the plant, as they often protect aphids.

Likely causes

Aphid infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustered on the undersides of leaves and new stems. The leaves might also look sticky from the honeydew they leave behind.
What to do: Spray the plant down with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil once a week for 3 weeks until they are gone.
Scale insects
Possible
How to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps on the stems or leaf veins that do not move. They suck sap and can weaken the plant over time.
What to do: Scrape them off gently with a soft toothbrush or cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. For larger infestations, treat the entire plant with horticultural oil.

Find out what's wrong with your acerola

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

It is serious if the new growth starts curling or turning yellow from the feeding. A few bugs are normal, but a heavy infestation needs immediate treatment.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper sun and water to help it resist pests. Regularly inspect your plant every time you water it.

Keep your acerola healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my Acerola?: Usually not, but they can stunt growth and make the plant look sickly. It is best to treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?: You can, but use a mild, non-detergent soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with degreasers or fragrances as they can burn the leaves.

Why are there bugs on my Acerola plant?