Fig trees are prized for their delicious fruit, ornamental beauty, and low maintenance. However, even the hardiest fig trees can fall victim to tiny but destructive pests—aphids and mites. These common insects may be small, but their impact on tree health, fruit yield, and overall vitality can be substantial if not addressed early.
Whether you grow figs in a backyard garden or manage a small orchard, knowing how to identify, treat, and prevent aphid and mite infestations is key to keeping your fig trees healthy and productive.
In this blog post, we’ll cover:
- How to spot signs of aphids and mites
- Natural and chemical treatment options
- Long-term prevention strategies to keep pests away
Understanding the Enemy: Aphids and Mites
Aphids and Mites are the main cause of fig tree diseases.
Aphids
Aphids are soft-bodied, sap-sucking insects that cluster on new growth, leaves, and stems. They are typically green, black, or brown and reproduce rapidly. You might also notice ants farming them for the sweet honeydew they produce.
Damage caused by aphids:
- Distorted or curled leaves
- Sticky residue (honeydew) on foliage
- Black sooty mould growing on honeydew
- Reduced fruit quality and yield
Mites (Especially Spider Mites)
Mites are tiny arachnids, often less than 1mm in size, and usually red or yellow. Unlike aphids, they’re harder to spot without magnification, but they leave visible signs of infestation.
Signs of mite damage:
- Fine webbing on leaves
- Yellowing or speckled leaf surfaces
- Leaf drop and stunted growth
- Bronzed or scorched appearance in severe cases
Step 1: Regular Inspection and Early Detection
The first step in protecting your fig trees is routine inspection—especially during the warmer months when pest populations surge.
What to Look For:
- Undersides of leaves for tiny bugs or webbing
- New shoots and tender leaves for distortion
- Leaf discoloration or curling
- Presence of ants or sticky honeydew
Tip: Shake a branch over a white sheet of paper. If you see tiny moving specs (mites or aphids), it’s time to take action.
Step 2: Natural Remedies and Organic Control
For mild to moderate infestations, natural treatments are often effective and safer for pollinators and the environment.
- Blast with Water
A strong stream of water from a hose can dislodge aphids and mites from leaves. This is especially effective for early-stage infestations.
- Insecticidal Soap or Neem Oil
- Insecticidal soaps kill soft-bodied pests by breaking down their outer layer.
- Neem oil works as both an insecticide and miticide, disrupting feeding and reproduction.
How to apply:
- Spray directly on the affected areas, including leaf undersides.
- Repeat every 5–7 days as needed.
- Avoid spraying during hot, sunny hours to prevent leaf burn.
- Introduce Beneficial Insects
Encourage or introduce natural predators like:
- Ladybugs and lacewings (eat aphids)
- Predatory mites (target spider mites)
Planting companion flowers like dill, fennel, and yarrow can attract these beneficial insects to your garden.
Step 3: Chemical Control (When Necessary)
For heavy infestations that don’t respond to natural treatments, chemical intervention may be required. Always choose the least toxic option and follow label instructions carefully.
- Miticides
Specific miticides target spider mites without harming other insects. Use products labeled for fruit trees or fig trees.
- Systemic Insecticides
For aphids, systemic options like imidacloprid are absorbed into the plant and kill pests when they feed. These should be used cautiously, especially near blooming trees to avoid harming pollinators.
Important: Avoid overuse of chemical treatments, as this can lead to resistance and kill beneficial insects that keep pests in check.
Step 4: Cultural Practices to Strengthen Your Trees
Healthy fig trees are more resistant to pests. Good cultural practices can reduce stress and make trees less attractive to aphids and mites.
- Proper Watering
- Avoid both drought stress and overwatering.
- Mulch around the base to retain moisture and suppress weeds.
- Pruning
- Prune away heavily infested shoots and dispose of them far from the tree.
- Improve air circulation by thinning dense growth—mites thrive in hot, dry, stagnant conditions.
- Fertilising Wisely
- Avoid excessive nitrogen, which encourages rapid, tender growth—prime feeding material for aphids.
- Use a balanced, slow-release fertiliser suited for fruit trees.
Step 5: Preventative Measures
Once you’ve dealt with an infestation, the goal is to prevent it from coming back. Here’s how to reduce the risk of future outbreaks.
- Monitor Regularly
- Check your trees at least once a week during the growing season.
- Use yellow sticky traps to monitor flying aphid populations.
- Control Ants
Since ants protect aphids in exchange for honeydew, controlling ant populations can disrupt this cycle.
Solutions:
- Apply sticky barriers to tree trunks
- Eliminate ant nests near fig trees
- Avoid leaving food or compost near the base
- Clean Garden Practices
- Remove fallen leaves and debris where mites may overwinter
- Avoid overplanting or crowding plants around your fig tree
- Rotate treatments (if using sprays) to prevent resistance
When to Call in Professionals
If you’ve tried natural and chemical methods without success, or if the infestation is severe and affecting your fruit harvest, consult a horticulturalist or pest control professional. They can identify the exact species involved and apply specialised treatments, such as dormant oils or biological control agents.
Final Thoughts
Fig trees are hardy, but no plant is immune to pests like aphids and mites. With early detection, consistent monitoring, and a combination of natural and chemical controls, you can protect your fig trees from damage and keep them thriving throughout the season.
A holistic approach—rooted in healthy soil, smart watering, proper pruning, and eco-friendly pest management—will go a long way in keeping your fig harvest healthy and abundant.
