Bamboo Pests and Treatments

Aphids - Black Sooty Mold / Fungus

The most common ailment to bamboo is sooty mold, which is cosmetic and does not harm the plant. Aphids secrete a nectar which the ants harvest. Sooty mold grows on the fecal residue of the aphids. The best way to prevent the sooty mold from getting started is to control the ants. Ant stakes or Spectracide granules and other approved products work well to keep the ants away from your bamboo. Insecticidal soap can be also used to kill the aphids.

Affected plant with black sooty mold on the leaves >

Mealy Bugs - Black Sooty Mold / Fungus

Leaves have white, cottony splotches and then have black sooty fungus on the leaves and nodes of the plant. Contact spray usually does not work because it does not reach the spots where they hide. The best treatment for this is Orthonex (or a similar systemic insecticide).

< Mealy Bug on a bamboo node with Black Sooty Mold / Fungus all around.

Mites - Bleached Spots and Webs

Mites form bleached spots with webs on the undersides of leaves. Treat with insecticide spray. Insecticide soap can be used to kill the mites.

Mite infected leaf >

Natural Predators

Natural predators to aphids, such as Lady Bugs or Praying Mantis, could be used as a preventative method to control problems.