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European plum · Prunus domestica

Why are there bugs on my European plum tree?

Finding tiny insects on your plum tree is common, especially on new, tender growth. Most often, these are aphids that suck sap and cause leaves to curl. Check the undersides of your leaves first to confirm what you are dealing with.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for clusters of small insects.
  2. Look for sticky honeydew or black sooty mold on the foliage.
  3. Check branches for hard, warty bumps that might be scale.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on the undersides of leaves and new shoots. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water from your garden hose to knock them off. If the infestation is heavy, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the label directions.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, immobile bumps or shells attached to the bark of twigs and branches. They can cause yellowing and stunted growth.

    What to do: Scrape off light 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 european plum

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 usually fine, but you should worry if the leaves are curling severely or if the tree shows signs of stunted growth. If you see large colonies covering most of the new growth, take action immediately.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs and lacewings to visit your garden by planting diverse flowers. Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilizer, which encourages the soft growth that aphids love.

European plum: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your european plum 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

Will aphids kill my plum tree?
Usually no, but they can weaken the tree and reduce fruit yield. Severe infestations can cause leaf drop and stress the tree.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
It is better to use a dedicated insecticidal soap. Some dish soaps contain degreasers that can burn the leaves of your plum tree.

Guides to these causes

More problems with European plum

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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.