pest aphids on Tomato
Quick answer
If your Tomato has pest aphids, the most likely cause is: Aphids (light green, sap-sucking insects) and spider mites (grey/black) cause leaf distortion and sooty mold by excreting honeydew. Ants farm aphid colonies for this honeydew. Fruit flies lay eggs in developing tomato and capsicum fruit, creating internal maggot damage visible as skin blemishes.
Start here:
- 1. 1. Identify pest: aphids cluster on new growth; spider mites create fine webbing on leaf undersides; fruit fly damage appears as skin soft spots
- 2. 2. For aphids/mites: spray plants with hard hose jet to dislodge insects, then apply soapy water (1 tbsp dish soap per litre water) to leaf undersides
Why Tomato gets pest aphids
Aphids (light green, sap-sucking insects) and spider mites (grey/black) cause leaf distortion and sooty mold by excreting honeydew. Ants farm aphid colonies for this honeydew. Fruit flies lay eggs in developing tomato and capsicum fruit, creating internal maggot damage visible as skin blemishes.
How to reverse pest aphids on Tomato
- 1
1. Identify pest: aphids cluster on new growth; spider mites create fine webbing on leaf undersides; fruit fly damage appears as skin soft spots
- 2
2. For aphids/mites: spray plants with hard hose jet to dislodge insects, then apply soapy water (1 tbsp dish soap per litre water) to leaf undersides
- 3
3. For fruit fly: hang proprietary fruit fly traps with pheromone lure near affected plants; cover developing fruit with fine-net bags before color change
- 4
4. For caterpillars: inspect leaf undersides for raised egg clusters (rub off); spray with Bacillus thuringiensis (Bt) biological spray for active caterpillars
- 5
5. Apply molasses spray (1 tbsp molasses + 1 tsp dish soap per litre water) weekly as deterrent — reapply after rain
Keep pest aphids off this Tomato
Encourage beneficial insects (ladybirds, lacewings, birds, frogs) through diverse planting. Use fine-net bags or muslin covers on developing fruit from formation stage. Apply molasses spray (1:1:1000 molasses:dish soap:water) weekly during pest-active months.