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 2026

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.

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.