Pest identification
What's eating my lonicera japonica?
Honeysuckle aphid (Hyadaphis foeniculi / Hyadaphis tataricae)
Signs: Leaf-curl and shoot distortion at growing tips in spring and summer; sticky honeydew coats leaves with sooty mould.
Control: Prune and dispose of infested shoot tips; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly; introduce parasitic wasps for sustained control.
Whitefly
Signs: Clouds of tiny white flies rise when foliage is disturbed; nymphs suck sap from leaf undersides causing yellowing.
Control: Use yellow sticky traps to monitor; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides of leaves; use reflective mulch around base.
Deer
Signs: Browsing of young stems and foliage, especially in spring; ragged torn edges (no clean cut) on new growth.
Control: Protect young plants with wire cages or deer-repellent spray; mature vines tolerate browsing but benefit from exclusion fencing in deer-dense areas.
Keep lonicera japonica pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Lonicera japonica pests — FAQ
What is eating my lonicera japonica?
Japanese honeysuckle faces aphids as its primary pest, particularly the honeysuckle aphid which distorts shoot tips. Outdoors it also attracts whitefly, spider mites in drought, and deer or rabbits may browse young stems. The vine is vigorous enough to tolerate light feeding, but heavy aphid infestations can stunt flowering.
How do I get rid of honeysuckle aphid (hyadaphis foeniculi / hyadaphis tataricae) on lonicera japonica?
Leaf-curl and shoot distortion at growing tips in spring and summer; sticky honeydew coats leaves with sooty mould. Prune and dispose of infested shoot tips; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat weekly; introduce parasitic wasps for sustained control.
How do I get rid of whitefly on lonicera japonica?
Clouds of tiny white flies rise when foliage is disturbed; nymphs suck sap from leaf undersides causing yellowing. Use yellow sticky traps to monitor; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil to undersides of leaves; use reflective mulch around base.
How do I get rid of deer on lonicera japonica?
Browsing of young stems and foliage, especially in spring; ragged torn edges (no clean cut) on new growth. Protect young plants with wire cages or deer-repellent spray; mature vines tolerate browsing but benefit from exclusion fencing in deer-dense areas.