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Sesame · Sesamum indicum

What are these tiny bugs on my sesame plant?

If you see small insects clustering on your new growth, you likely have an aphid problem. These pests suck the sap from your sesame plant and can stunt its development.

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

Check these first

  1. Examine the tips of the stems for clusters of insects.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the leaves.
  3. Look for fine webbing between the stems.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: Small insects cluster on new growth and the undersides of leaves. You might also see sticky residue called honeydew on the foliage.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids off. Use insecticidal soap or neem oil to treat the remaining bugs every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider mites

    Possible

    How to tell: Fine webbing appears between stems or leaves. The leaves may look stippled or pale.

    What to do: Increase the humidity around the plant. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and apply horticultural oil to kill the mites.

When to worry

Act immediately when you see them, as aphids multiply very quickly. If the plant is covered in bugs, it may be too late to save the affected stems.

Stopping it coming back

Check your plants weekly for early signs of pests. Keeping the plant healthy with proper sun and water makes it less attractive to bugs.

Not sure which one it is? Photograph your sesame.

This page lists the usual causes. Pocket Botanist looks at your actual leaf 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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Questions people ask

Will aphids kill my sesame plant?
They can weaken it significantly and spread disease. Treat them as soon as you spot them.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
A mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap can work, but insecticidal soap is safer for the plant.

More problems with Sesame

Back to the Sesame guide

This article was generated with AI from the plant’s care profile and is general information, not horticultural advice. Read about how we build these guides.