Skip to content
Pocket Botanist
Get the app

California blackberry · Rubus ursinus

What are the tiny bugs on my California blackberry?

Small insects like aphids often gather on the tender new growth of your California blackberry. Check the tips of the stems and the undersides of young leaves to confirm their presence.

Not sure it's this? Check a photo of your plant for free

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

Check these first

  1. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
  2. Check the very tips of the new growth for clusters of bugs.
  3. Examine the undersides of leaves for webbing.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green, black, or pink insects on new growth. They leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew that can attract ants.

    What to do: Spray the aphids off with a sharp stream of water from your hose. If they return, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to the affected areas every 5 to 7 days. Repeat this for 2 to 3 weeks until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Look for fine webbing between the leaves and tiny yellow stippling on the leaf surface. These pests thrive in hot and dry conditions.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant by misting the area or ensuring consistent soil moisture. Use a strong spray of water to knock them off the foliage. Apply horticultural oil if the infestation is heavy.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your california blackberry

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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

When to worry

A few aphids are normal, but if the new growth is curling or turning yellow, you need to act. Large colonies can stunt the growth of your berries.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden by planting flowers nearby. Avoid using broad spectrum pesticides that kill the good bugs too.

California blackberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your california blackberry 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.

Download on the App StoreGet it on Google Play

Get the app · Or check it from a photo now, free

Questions people ask

Do I need to use chemicals to kill aphids?
No, you can usually manage them with water sprays or insecticidal soap. These are much safer for the environment and your future berries.
Will these bugs hurt my fruit?
Aphids mostly target the leaves and stems, but a heavy infestation can weaken the plant and reduce your total harvest. It is best to control them before the plant starts flowering.

Guides to these causes

More problems with California blackberry

Back to the California blackberry guide

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.