Pests That Eat Impatiens

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are wingless insects that suck the sap from impatiens, causing the leaves to turn yellow, distort and fall off. Mealybugs excrete a sticky, sweet substance called honeydew that attracts ants and also causes a black fungus to appear on the underside of leaves. Patches of a white cottony material are another sign of mealybug infestation on impatiens.

Spider Mites

• Like mealybugs, spider mites also feed on the sap from impatiens. Spider mites will produce webbing that is visible on the underside of impatiens leaves and can be noticeable with a large infestation. White flecks near the veins on the underside of the leaves are damage caused by spider mites. The leaves of impatiens will begin to look gray or bronze in color as more damage is done. A heavy infestation will cause leaves to die and drop off.

Thrips

• Thrips feed on impatiens by puncturing holes in the plant and sucking out the tissue inside, especially the fast-growing tissue. The leaves of impatiens become distorted and roll up. Damage will eventually cause the leaves to die and drop off impatiens. Leaves that are damaged by these impatiens pests typically become thin and paper-like with spots or streaks of brown.

Whiteflies

• Whiteflies are another sap-sucking insect and also secrete honeydew like mealybugs. These insects have yellowish bodies, white looking wings and are found on the underside of the impatiens leaves. Once enough damage has been done, leaves will dry up, turn yellow and fall off the plant. Ants on or around the plant are a sign of whitefly infestation, as well as a black, sooty fungus on the leaves.