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Snowberry · Symphoricarpos albus var. albus

Why are there bugs on my Snowberry?

Seeing small insects on your Snowberry is usually a sign of an aphid infestation. These tiny pests love to cluster on the tender new growth of your shrub. Check the undersides of the leaves and the tips of the stems first.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the tips of the branches for clusters of tiny insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the leaves.
  3. Check for ants, which often farm aphids.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

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

    What to do: Spray the affected areas with a strong stream of water from your hose to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Scale insects

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like small, hard brown bumps on the stems that do not move. They suck sap and can weaken the plant over time.

    What to do: Scrape the bumps off gently with a soft brush or your fingernail. Apply horticultural oil during the dormant season to suffocate any remaining eggs.

Pests on other plants

Find out what's wrong with your snowberry

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 normal, but you should act if the growth is stunted or the leaves are curling severely. If the plant is large and healthy, it can usually handle a minor infestation on its own.

Stopping it coming back

Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs to visit your garden by planting diverse flowers nearby. Avoid over fertilizing, as excess nitrogen attracts aphids.

Snowberry: pests? Check yours with a photo

Every plant is a little different. Take a photo of your snowberry 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 Snowberry?
Usually no, but they can make the plant look unsightly and weaken it if the infestation is heavy. Treating them early keeps the plant looking its best.
Can I use dish soap to kill them?
You can, but use a mild, non-degreasing soap mixed with water. Avoid soaps with heavy fragrances or degreasers that might burn the foliage.

Guides to these causes

More problems with Snowberry

Back to the Snowberry 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.