Question 1

How can I tell the difference between aphid damage and spider mite damage?

Accepted Answer

Aphids cause curled, distorted leaves and leave behind sticky honeydew that attracts ants. Spider mites cause fine stippling on leaf surfaces and leave delicate webbing on undersides. Ants on your plant usually mean aphids. Webbing means mites.

Question 2

I see tiny white flies when I shake my plant. What are they?

Accepted Answer

Those are whiteflies. They cluster on undersides of leaves and fly up in a cloud when disturbed. Check underneath for flat, oval nymphs and tiny white eggs. They are especially common on tomatoes, chili, and eggplant in Indian gardens.

Question 3

What are the white cotton-like patches on my plant stems?

Accepted Answer

That is almost certainly mealybugs. Wipe them off with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol, then follow up with neem oil spray every 5-7 days for 3 cycles.

Question 4

Are all the bugs on my plants harmful?

Accepted Answer

No. Ladybugs, lacewings, spiders, and parasitic wasps are beneficial. A single ladybug can consume over 50 aphids per day. Learn to recognise allies so you do not accidentally kill them.

Question 5

How do I check for pests I cannot see?

Accepted Answer

Look for damage clues: sticky residue (sap-suckers), fine webbing (spider mites), irregular holes (caterpillars), silvery slime trails (slugs), or squiggly white lines inside leaves (leaf miners). Tap a suspicious leaf over white paper to spot mites or thrips.

Question 6

When are pests most active in Mumbai?

Accepted Answer

Post-monsoon (October-November) is the worst window as populations built during warm humid months explode. Summer (March-May) brings spider mites in hot dry conditions. Scout every 2-3 days year-round, increasing to daily during these peaks.

Pest Identification for Home Gardens: Visual Guide to Common Bugs in India

Pest Identification for Home Gardens: Visual Guide to Common Bugs in India