What's eating my golden glow bougainvillea?

Golden Glow bougainvillea is vulnerable to looper caterpillars that can strip the foliage rapidly, and to mealybugs sheltering in its dense growth. Aphids colonize new shoots, and spider mites appear in dry heat. The distinctive yellow bracts can mask early mealybug infestations, so inspect stem joints closely.

Inchworm caterpillars eat leaf blades from margins inward; can defoliate branches within a week under good conditions. Spray Bt on young larvae; hand-pick visible caterpillars; pyrethrin or spinosad for severe infestations.

Cottony white masses hidden in dense stem axils and new growth; sap-sucking leads to yellowed, stunted bracts. Alcohol swab or neem oil spray; ensure good air circulation; systemic insecticide for persistent infestations.

Fine pale stippling across leaves, webbing on undersides; worst during hot dry weather or in container-grown plants. Increase humidity; spray water on undersides; apply neem oil or an approved miticide; avoid water stress.