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Sea almond · Terminalia catappa

Why are there bugs on my Sea almond?

Seeing pests on your Sea almond usually means the plant is stressed or the environment is too dry. Check the undersides of your leaves for tiny insects or sticky residue first.

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

Check these first

  1. Inspect the undersides of leaves for tiny moving insects.
  2. Check for sticky residue on the stems or foliage.
  3. Look for fine webbing near the leaf joints.

Likely causes

  1. Aphids

    Most likely

    How to tell: You will see clusters of tiny green or black insects on new growth and leaf undersides. They often leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew.

    What to do: Spray the leaves with a gentle stream of water to knock them off. Follow up with neem oil or insecticidal soap applied every 5 to 7 days until they are gone.

  2. Spider Mites

    Possible

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

    What to do: Increase the humidity around your plant by misting it daily. Wipe the leaves down with a damp cloth and treat with insecticidal soap once a week for 3 weeks.

Find out what's wrong with your sea almond

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

You should worry if the leaves start curling or turning yellow rapidly. A few stray bugs are manageable, but a full infestation can weaken the plant quickly.

Stopping it coming back

Keep your plant healthy with consistent watering and good air circulation. Regularly wiping down leaves helps catch pests before they multiply.

Keep your sea almond 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

Can I use dish soap to kill the bugs?
Yes, but use a mild, non-detergent soap diluted in water. Avoid harsh soaps with degreasers as they can burn the leaves.
Will these bugs kill my tree?
If left untreated for a long time, they can cause significant leaf loss and stress. Early intervention usually clears them up without permanent damage.

More problems with Sea almond

Back to the Sea almond 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.