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Meyer Lemon Sticky Leaves: Aphids, Not Scale

Long-time container Meyer lemon (CT, indoors winter). Persistent scale (cleaned with alcohol). Now clear sticky substance on leaves/floor—not under scale leaves.

Diagnosis: Aphids

Sticky substance = honeydew (aphid excrement)
Not frass (caterpillar droppings = solid)
Location not matching scale = different pest
Indoor = poor air circulation favors aphids

Management

Insecticidal soap/neem oil: Thorough coverage, repeat
Improve air flow: Fan, spacing
Systemic option: Imidacloprid soil drench (if not eating fruit soon)
Organic: Atomic Grow (claimed health → pest resistance)

Scale Note

Alcohol cleaning works for scale but doesn't prevent aphids. Different pests, different strategies.

Plant Diseases: Meyer Lemon Stripped of Leaves and Fruit: Need More Info; Meyer Lemon Scale: Horticultural Oil Protocol; Meyer Lemon Leaf Curl: Virus Unlikely, Insect/Chemical Investigation Needed; Meyer Lemon Yellow Leaves After Summer Outdoors: Normal or Pot-Bound?; Meyer Lemon White Parasite: Aphids or Scale—Organic Control; Mature Meyer Lemon Fruit Quality: Scale and Skin Disorder Management; Meyer Lemon Fruit Drop: Transplant Shock or Scale; Scale and Sooty Mold on Potted Meyer Lemon: Treatment and Prevention; Scale Insects on Meyer Lemon: Sticky Leaves, Brown Bumps, and How to Save Your Tree; Lemon Tree Care: Container or Ground

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