What pest is attacking my Lilly Pillies?

Hi everyone,

I’m hoping someone can help me identify what’s attacking my Lilly Pillies. The leaves are being sucked on by some kind of pest.

I originally thought it was psyllids, but now I’m not so sure.

I’ve been applying neem oil once a week for the past 4 weeks, but the problem doesn’t seem to be improving. The new growth still looks damaged and there are tiny insects under some of the leaves.

Does anyone know what this pest might be and what actually works to get rid of it? Should I be trying something other than neem oil?

Thanks in advance for any advice!

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Comments

EricL

Hello @raonic

Thank you for sharing your question about the pest in your garden. Would it be possible for you take a much closer photo of the insect? I'm sorry there is just not enough detail to get a positive I.D. of the insect. If I were to hazard a guess, they appear to be hover flies. Hover flies are small to medium sized flies with large heads, large eyes, and small or inconspicuous antennae. Their bodies are medium to slender, with a waist that is not significantly narrow, unless it is a wasp mimicking species. They have one pair of clear wings, and the banded forms have yellow and black bands of equal width.

However, the only way to be sure is to take a photo of a mature insect as the juveniles might not yet have their distinctive colouring. Please note that hover flies are harmless and are great pollinators right next to the bees.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric

raonic

https://www.workshop.bunnings.com.au/discussion/comment/58920#Comment_58920

Hi Eric,

thank you very much for your reply. I have some other pictures here, I hope it helps.

thank you.

EricL

Hello @raonic

Thank you for providing those extra photos, it's definitely not a hover fly. I suspect that it is an aphid variety and with your added description of it being under the leaves plus the description of the damage leads me to believe that it is an aphid. I suggest using Yates 750ml Ready To Use Pyrethrum Insecticide on the surface and under the leaves. Please remember to wear personal protection such as gloves, goggles and a mask when using the spray.

Let me call on our experienced members @Noelle and @mich1972 for their opinion.

If you need further assistance, please let us know.

Eric

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