Pest identification
What's eating my bougainvillea 'miss alice'?
Aphids
Signs: Sticky honeydew and curled, distorted new shoots and bracts
Control: Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear
Bougainvillea looper caterpillar (Disclisioprocta stellata)
Signs: Irregular holes or complete leaf skeletonisation, frass on stems
Control: Hand-pick small infestations; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for larger outbreaks
Spider mites
Signs: Fine silvery stippling on leaves, fine webbing on undersides, especially in dry conditions
Control: Increase humidity, rinse foliage, apply neem oil or miticide spray; repeat every 5–7 days
Keep bougainvillea 'miss alice' pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Bougainvillea 'Miss Alice' pests — FAQ
What is eating my bougainvillea 'miss alice'?
Bougainvillea 'Miss Alice' is most troubled by aphids and looper caterpillars outdoors, and spider mites when grown in containers indoors. Aphids cluster on new growth and bracts; caterpillars skeletonize leaves. Knock aphids off with water, use neem oil for mites, and hand-pick or use Bt for caterpillars.
How do I get rid of aphids on bougainvillea 'miss alice'?
Sticky honeydew and curled, distorted new shoots and bracts Blast off with a strong jet of water; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil spray weekly until clear
How do I get rid of bougainvillea looper caterpillar (disclisioprocta stellata) on bougainvillea 'miss alice'?
Irregular holes or complete leaf skeletonisation, frass on stems Hand-pick small infestations; apply Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) spray for larger outbreaks
How do I get rid of spider mites on bougainvillea 'miss alice'?
Fine silvery stippling on leaves, fine webbing on undersides, especially in dry conditions Increase humidity, rinse foliage, apply neem oil or miticide spray; repeat every 5–7 days