What's eating my peruvian bougainvillea?

Peruvian bougainvillea is most commonly attacked by the bougainvillea looper caterpillar, which rapidly strips foliage. Aphids cluster on new shoots and mealybugs hide in leaf axils. Spider mites appear in hot, dry spells or when grown under glass. Caterpillars are the fastest-acting threat outdoors.

Pale green inchworm-like caterpillars eat leaf margins and can defoliate entire branches within days. Hand-pick and destroy; spray Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) on young caterpillars; pyrethrin for heavy infestations.

Dense colonies on tender shoot tips; honeydew leads to sooty mold and distorted bracts. Knock off with water; insecticidal soap spray; encourage ladybirds and parasitic wasps.

White cottony masses in leaf axils and stem joints; cause leaf yellowing, wilting, and sticky residue. Dab with isopropyl alcohol on a swab; spray neem oil or insecticidal soap; repeat weekly until clear.

Fine stippling on leaves, with silvery webbing on undersides; worst in hot, dry or indoor conditions. Increase humidity; spray undersides of leaves with water; apply neem oil or miticide; avoid water stress.