What's eating my pineapple guava?

Pineapple guava is relatively pest-resistant but can be troubled by scale insects on stems, guava moth larvae boring into fruit, and root mealybugs in containers. Deer will browse foliage where populations are high. Scale is the most commonly reported pest, especially on plants grown in mild coastal climates where natural enemies are few.

Brown or waxy bumps on stems and branch undersides; heavy infestations cause yellowing, sticky honeydew, and twig dieback Scrub off light infestations with a soft brush and soapy water; apply horticultural oil in late winter or early spring when crawlers are active

Larvae bore into developing fruit, leaving entry holes and causing fruit to drop prematurely or rot from inside Bag developing fruit clusters with fine mesh bags; collect and destroy fallen fruit immediately; pheromone traps help monitor adult activity

White waxy clusters at leaf axils and stem joints; plants weaken, leaves yellow and drop; honeydew promotes mold Dab colonies with 70% isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil; repeat every 7–10 days for 3–4 weeks