Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?

A mild solution of dish soap and water can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh detergents that can burn the leaves.

Will these bugs kill my plant?

If left untreated, yes. They drain the plant of nutrients and can spread serious diseases.

Why are there bugs on my Orange Jessamine? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny insects.
Look for sticky honeydew or black sooty mold on the leaves.
Check stems for small, raised, brown bumps.

Likely causes

Scale insects
Most likely
How to tell: You will see small, hard, brown or tan bumps on the stems and leaf veins. They do not move and look like part of the plant.
What to do: Scrape them off gently with a soft toothbrush. Apply neem oil or insecticidal soap to the entire plant every 7 days for 3 weeks.
Citrus psyllid
Possible
How to tell: These tiny jumping insects cause leaves to curl and distort. They are the main reason for citrus greening disease.
What to do: Prune away heavily infested branches immediately. Treat the remaining foliage with a systemic insecticide labeled for citrus psyllids.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your orange jessamine

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

Worry if you see leaf curling or stunted growth, as these are signs of psyllid damage. A few scale insects are manageable, but a heavy infestation requires immediate action.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with proper light and water to boost its natural defenses. Inspect your plant weekly during the growing season.

Orange Jessamine: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your orange jessamine 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

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?: A mild solution of dish soap and water can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant. Avoid using harsh detergents that can burn the leaves.
Will these bugs kill my plant?: If left untreated, yes. They drain the plant of nutrients and can spread serious diseases.

Guides to these causes

Scale Insects

Why are there bugs on my Orange Jessamine?