Pest identification
What's eating my purple queen bougainvillea?
Bougainvillea looper caterpillar
Signs: Notched and missing leaf tissue; pale inchworm larvae visible on undersides; rapid defoliation under warm, humid conditions.
Control: Bt spray targeting young caterpillars; manual removal; pyrethrin or spinosad for heavy infestations.
Mealybugs
Signs: White waxy tufts in joints and axils; weakens growth points, causes yellowing and bract drop, coats with honeydew.
Control: Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; neem oil spray; repeat applications weekly; improve air circulation.
Aphids
Signs: Clusters of small insects on young shoots and bract stems; honeydew encourages sooty mold and ant activity.
Control: Blast with water; insecticidal soap spray; introduce beneficial insects; limit excess feeding.
Keep purple queen bougainvillea pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Purple Queen bougainvillea pests — FAQ
What is eating my purple queen bougainvillea?
Purple Queen bougainvillea faces the same core threats as other bougainvilleas: looper caterpillars defoliating foliage, mealybugs in stem axils, and aphids on new growth. Indoors or in containers, spider mites and scale increase in importance. Caterpillars remain the fastest-damaging outdoor pest across all bougainvillea cultivars.
How do I get rid of bougainvillea looper caterpillar on purple queen bougainvillea?
Notched and missing leaf tissue; pale inchworm larvae visible on undersides; rapid defoliation under warm, humid conditions. Bt spray targeting young caterpillars; manual removal; pyrethrin or spinosad for heavy infestations.
How do I get rid of mealybugs on purple queen bougainvillea?
White waxy tufts in joints and axils; weakens growth points, causes yellowing and bract drop, coats with honeydew. Isopropyl alcohol on a cotton swab; neem oil spray; repeat applications weekly; improve air circulation.
How do I get rid of aphids on purple queen bougainvillea?
Clusters of small insects on young shoots and bract stems; honeydew encourages sooty mold and ant activity. Blast with water; insecticidal soap spray; introduce beneficial insects; limit excess feeding.