Clear, Sticky Sap on Jasmine

I recently discovered my jasmine tree is covered in clear sticky sap.  What is it and what can I do?

Honeydew is the clear sticky substance on the leaves of your jasmine tree.  It is a good clue that aphids, mites, white fly, mealy bugs or scale are feeding on your plant.  These insects suck plant juices and secrete the excess as honeydew.  Check other houseplants to make sure they are not infested.  Give insect ridden plants a shower with warm water.  Then apply insecticidal soap or Neem to the upper and lower surfaces of the leaves and stems.  This will kill aphids, mites and the immature stages of the other pests.  Repeat applications will be needed.  Remove any hard shell-like structures, these are the adult scale insects, found on the leaves and stems.  Add a yellow sticky trap if you notice white fly-like insects around the plants.  It won't eliminate white flies but will help reduce their populations.  With persistence you should be able to control the insects, eliminate the honeydew and improve the health of your plants.

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