What's eating my navel orange?

Navel oranges are attacked by citrus leafminer, scale insects, citrus aphids, and spider mites. Scale and leafminer are the most damaging in US gardens. Apply horticultural oil when pests are present, encourage natural predators, and remove heavily mined flush growth to keep infestations in check.

Silvery, wavy tunnels on new leaf growth; leaves curl and distort as larvae mine through soft tissue. Avoid stimulating frequent tender flushes with excess nitrogen. Allow parasitic wasps to act as natural control; spray spinosad on new flush where infestations are severe.

Gray, brown, or white crusty or waxy bumps on stems, leaves, and fruit; yellowing, dieback, and sticky honeydew with sooty mold. Apply horticultural oil (2–3 tbsp per gallon water) in spring and fall; avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill natural enemies; scrub light infestations off with a soft brush.

Puckered, curled new leaves; sticky honeydew and sooty mold on foliage; population explosions on young growth in spring. Blast off with a strong water jet; apply insecticidal soap or neem oil for heavier infestations; encourage lacewings and lady beetles.

Fine stippling and bronzing on leaf surfaces; heavily infested leaves turn silvery-grey and drop prematurely. Apply horticultural oil or miticide approved for citrus; improve air circulation; avoid dusty conditions which promote mite buildup.