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Yellow Bells · Tecoma stans

Why are there bugs on my Yellow Bells?

Yellow Bells are tough plants, but they can occasionally attract sap sucking insects. Check the undersides of your leaves and new growth for clusters of tiny pests.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for small insects.
  2. Look for sticky residue on the foliage.
  3. Shake the branches gently to see if anything flies out.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see small green or black insects clustering on the tender new growth. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the plant with a strong stream of water to knock them off. If they persist, apply insecticidal soap every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Whitefly

    Possible

    How to tell: These look like tiny white moths that fly up in a cloud when you shake the branches. They hide on the undersides of leaves.

    What to do: Use a neem oil spray on the undersides of the leaves. Repeat the treatment once a week for 3 weeks to catch new eggs as they hatch.

Find out what's wrong with your yellow bells

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 bugs are rarely a problem, but you should act if the plant looks stunted or the leaves begin to curl.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent water and full sun, as stressed plants attract more pests.

Keep your yellow bells healthy from here

Save your plant in Pocket Botanist and you get care reminders timed for this plant, plus a care history that shows what worked. Identification and a health check are free.

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Questions people ask

Will these bugs kill my plant?
Usually not, but they can weaken it and make it look messy. Treat them early to keep your plant looking its best.
Can I use household soap to kill them?
Avoid harsh dish soaps, as they can burn the leaves. Stick to insecticidal soap or neem oil designed for garden use.

More problems with Yellow Bells

Back to the Yellow Bells 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.