Are these bugs harmful?

Aphids suck the sap from the plant, which can stunt growth and spread viruses. They are a nuisance but rarely fatal to a mature Salmonberry.

Should I use a heavy pesticide?

Avoid harsh chemicals, as they kill beneficial insects that eat the aphids. Stick to water sprays or gentle insecticidal soaps.

Why are there bugs on my Salmonberry? Causes and fixes

Check these first

Look closely at the tips of the newest stems.
Check the undersides of the leaves for tiny moving specks.
Feel the leaves for a sticky residue.

Likely causes

Aphid Infestation
Most likely
How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or pink insects on the undersides of leaves and on new stem tips. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.
What to do: Spray the aphids off with a strong stream of water from your hose. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap directly to the insects every 5 to 7 days.
Spider Mites
Possible
How to tell: Look for very fine webbing between leaves or stems. The leaves may look stippled or pale before turning yellow.
What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting it or ensuring the soil stays consistently damp. Use a neem oil spray to manage the population.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your salmonberry

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

A few aphids are normal and usually handled by ladybugs. Worry only if the new growth starts to look stunted or twisted.

Stopping it coming back

Avoid over fertilizing, as excessive nitrogen creates the soft, succulent growth that aphids love. Encourage natural predators like ladybugs in your garden.

Salmonberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

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

Are these bugs harmful?: Aphids suck the sap from the plant, which can stunt growth and spread viruses. They are a nuisance but rarely fatal to a mature Salmonberry.
Should I use a heavy pesticide?: Avoid harsh chemicals, as they kill beneficial insects that eat the aphids. Stick to water sprays or gentle insecticidal soaps.

Why are there bugs on my Salmonberry?

Check these first

Not sure what's wrong with your salmonberry?

Likely causes

Aphid Infestation

Spider Mites

Find out what's wrong with your salmonberry

When to worry

Stopping it coming back

Salmonberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Questions people ask

Guides to these causes

More problems with Salmonberry