Plant Care

Fiddle Leaf Fig Pests: Identification & Treatment

Last updated: November 23, 2025

Fiddle leaf fig bugs ruining your plant? Get expert pest identification and proven treatment protocols to eliminate spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and thrips fast.

TTerrence "TJ" Johnson

November 23, 2025

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Fiddle leaf fig pest identification guide showing damaged leaves with magnifying glass inspection — — Image © PlantReference.org 2025

TL;DR

Fiddle leaf fig bugs are manageable with proper identification and treatment. Spider mites create webbing and tiny holes, scale insects leave sticky honeydew residue, mealybugs appear as white cotton clusters, and thrips cause speckled damage. Isolate infected plants immediately, treat with neem oil or insecticidal soap every 7-10 days, and maintain proper humidity to prevent re-infestation.

Product Recommendations

Neem Bliss 100% Pure Cold Pressed Neem Oil for Plants (16 oz)

https://www.amazon.com/Neem-Bliss-Pressed-Organic-Plants/dp/B01N9W18GJ

Pure cold-pressed neem oil with natural azadirachtin content that disrupts pest life cycles. Works systemically when absorbed by plant roots and provides contact kill on application. Effective against spider mites, scale, mealybugs, thrips, and aphids. Organic OMRI-listed formula safe for food plants and beneficial insects when used properly. Includes detailed mixing instructions and application schedule. One bottle treats multiple infestations over 6-12 months depending on plant collection size.

Price: $12.99-$15.99

Safer Brand Insecticidal Soap Concentrate (16 fl oz)

https://www.amazon.com/Safer-Brand-5118-Insect-Killing/dp/B00192AO90

Professional-strength potassium soap concentrate that kills soft-bodied insects on contact without harming plants. Effective against mealybugs, spider mites, thrips, and scale crawlers. OMRI-listed organic formula breaks down quickly without toxic residues. Concentrated formula makes up to 6 gallons of spray solution for economical treatment. Works by disrupting pest cell membranes while being gentle on plant tissues. Can be used up to day of harvest on edible plants. Requires weekly applications for best results.

Price: $8.99-$11.49

BioAdvanced Systemic Houseplant Insect Control Granules (8 oz)

https://www.amazon.com/BioAdvanced-Systemic-Houseplant-Control-Granules/dp/B000BWZ9U8

Granular systemic insecticide with imidacloprid that provides 8 weeks of continuous protection when mixed into soil. Plants absorb active ingredient through roots, making entire plant toxic to feeding insects including scale, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. Particularly effective for hard-to-reach pests like root mealybugs and scale insects. Easy application by mixing granules into top inch of soil during watering. One container treats up to 64 houseplants. Not for consumption.

Price: $15.99-$21.99

XLUX Soil Moisture Meter T10 Bonsai Moisture Tester

https://www.amazon.com/XLUX-Moisture-Sensor-Meter-Indoor/dp/B014MJ8J2U

Professional-grade analog moisture meter with color-coded dial showing dry, moist, and wet conditions. Essential for maintaining [[proper watering]] schedules that prevent plant stress and pest susceptibility. Dual-needle design provides accurate readings 2-10 inches deep in soil. No batteries required with durable metal construction. Large easy-to-read gauge with precise measurements. Helps prevent overwatering that leads to [[fungus gnats]] and [[root rot]] while ensuring adequate moisture for pest resistance.

Price: $8.99-$11.99

Garsum 20-Pack Yellow Sticky Traps Dual-Sided

https://www.amazon.com/Garsum-Sticky-Traps-Fungus-Flying/dp/B07DCBJP7G

Professional dual-sided yellow sticky traps that attract and capture flying insects including thrips, fungus gnats, whiteflies, and flying mealybugs. Bright yellow color specifically chosen for maximum insect attraction based on pest behavior research. Weather-resistant adhesive works in humid conditions typical around houseplants. Each trap works for 2-3 months or until full. Includes twist ties for easy hanging near plants. Essential monitoring tool revealing pest problems before visible damage occurs. Reduces flying pest populations significantly.

Price: $6.99-$9.99

Frequently Asked Questions

How do I know if my fiddle leaf fig has pests?

Look for these telltale signs: sticky honeydew on leaves or floor, fine webbing between leaves, tiny holes or stippling damage, unusual spots or discoloration, and small moving specks visible with a magnifying glass. Early detection is crucial—inspect your plant weekly during routine watering for best results.

Can I use dish soap to make homemade insecticidal soap?

Yes, but use pure castile soap or gentle dish soap without additives, fragrances, or degreasing agents. Mix 1 tablespoon per quart of water. Dawn and other harsh dish soaps can damage plant tissues, so stick to mild formulations designed for sensitive surfaces.

How long does it take to eliminate fiddle leaf fig pests?

Most pest problems resolve in 2-4 weeks with consistent treatment every 3-7 days. Spider mites typically clear up fastest (1-2 weeks), while scale insects take longest (4-6 weeks) due to their protective shells. Continue treatments for 2 weeks after seeing no new pests to ensure you've broken the reproduction cycle.

Are fiddle leaf fig pest treatments safe around pets?

Neem oil and insecticidal soap are generally pet-safe when used according to directions, but keep pets away during application and until leaves dry. Systemic insecticides should be used cautiously—apply granules directly to soil rather than spraying, and prevent pets from eating treated soil.

Why do pests keep coming back to my fiddle leaf fig?

Incomplete treatment cycles are the most common cause of recurring infestations. Pest eggs hatch over 2-4 weeks, so treatments must continue long enough to eliminate newly hatched insects. Also check for plant stress from [[improper watering]], insufficient [[light requirements]], or low [[humidity]]—healthy plants resist pest attacks better than stressed ones.

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Tagged with

#fiddle leaf fig pests #houseplant bugs #spider mites #scale insects #mealybugs #thrips #neem oil #pest identification #plant pest control #fiddle leaf fig problems

Written By

Terrence "TJ" Johnson

TJ stumbled into plant parenthood when a coworker gave him a neglected pothos. That single plant sparked an obsession that led him to quit his corporate marketing job and start a plant care service for busy professionals in Chicago. TJ maintains over 150 plants for residential clients and runs monthly plant swap meetups at local coffee shops. He's self-taught through YouTube, plant forums, and plenty of expensive mistakes (RIP to his variegated monstera). TJ specializes in troubleshooting common houseplant problems and is known for his blunt, no-BS advice: "Your plant isn't dying because Mercury is in retrograde—you're overwatering it." He's particularly skilled with finicky tropical plants like fiddle leaf figs and calatheas.