Bugs in Hibiscus Seed Pods

Whiteflies

• Whiteflies are a potential suspect when bugs appear in a hibiscus seed pod. They are closely related to other bugs such as aphids or mealybugs. You might find dead whiteflies on the plant or live ones flying around and on the underside of the plant's leaves. There are two varieties of whitefly: the sweetpotato whitefly and the greenhouse whitefly.

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are often confused with whiteflies. Like whiteflies, mealybugs are small and white and suck juices from various parts of the plant, including the pods, leaves and stems. Mealybugs, however, do not fly, and their waste is in the form of sugary excretions, creating an environment for black mold. If black mold is visible on the plant, you very likely have a mealybug infestation.

Spider Mites

• Spider mites are just as likely to infest hibiscus plants as whiteflies or mealybugs. They are more likely to infest a hibiscus plant in the spring or summer because of the warm weather. They also prefer dry weather. The most notable distinction of a spider mite infestation is the webs formed on the plant. Spider mites will also cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown and drop off.

Aphids

• Aphids are closely related to the mealybug and the whitefly and are a common pest found on many plants. They can be white, black, green or brown. Like the mealybug, aphids secrete a honeydew excretion that leaves the plant susceptible to black mold. If this mold is in the infested seed pod, it will likely kill the seeds and eventually kill the plant.