Psyllid

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PestControlBasics Editorial Team

Reviewed by Derek Giordano · Updated 2026

Illustrated identification guide — PestControlBasics.com

🔍 Identification

Adults: 2-3mm; resemble tiny cicadas; jump when disturbed (earning the 'jumping plant lice' name). Feed on new growth. Two species of major concern: Tomato/Potato Psyllid (Bactericera cockerelli) — vectors 'zebra chip' disease in potatoes; Asian Citrus Psyllid (Diaphorina citri) — vectors citrus greening (Huanglongbing), the most devastating citrus disease worldwide.

🧬 Biology & Behavior

Asian Citrus Psyllid (ACP): established in Florida, Texas, California, and other citrus-growing states. Vectors Candidatus Liberibacter asiaticus bacteria causing citrus greening. Trees infected with citrus greening: fruit becomes bitter and misshapen; tree slowly declines and dies. No cure exists — infected trees must be destroyed.

⚠️ Damage & Health Risk

Direct feeding causes minor stippling and leaf curl. Primary damage is disease transmission: citrus greening is a fatal citrus disease causing billions in losses; zebra chip disease makes potato chips unmarketable.

🔧 DIY Treatment

Asian Citrus Psyllid: systemic imidacloprid soil drench for established trees (provides systemic protection); foliar sprays for new growth protection. Report ACP sightings if in a quarantine area — do not move citrus plant material across quarantine boundaries.

👷 When to Call a Pro

ACP management in commercial citrus is a major state agricultural program. Contact your state department of agriculture if you find citrus with suspected greening symptoms or if you find ACP outside known quarantine areas.

❓ FAQ

What is citrus greening disease?

Citrus greening (Huanglongbing) is a bacterial disease transmitted by the Asian Citrus Psyllid. It causes asymmetric yellowing of leaves, bitter small fruit, and eventual death of the tree. There is no cure — infected trees must be removed. It has devastated Florida's citrus industry.

How do I protect my citrus tree from ACP?

Systemic imidacloprid (Bayer Tree & Shrub) applied as a soil drench provides the most effective protection for homeowner citrus trees. Apply 2-4 weeks before new flush growth. Avoid foliar applications that affect pollinators. Report any suspicious trees to your local agricultural extension office.

Factor	Details
U.S. Range	All 50 states
Regional Detail	Fire ants limited to Southeast/Southwest. Carpenter ants: Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Pavement ants: nationwide. Argentine ants: California and South.

Factor

Details

U.S. Range

All 50 states

Regional Detail

Fire ants limited to Southeast/Southwest. Carpenter ants: Northeast and Pacific Northwest. Pavement ants: nationwide. Argentine ants: California and South.

📅 Treatment Timing Guide

Treating at the right time dramatically improves results. Pest control timed to the life cycle uses less product and achieves better long-term control.

Period	Action
February–March	Apply perimeter treatment before spring colonies emerge.
June–August	Peak foraging season — bait stations most effective now.
September	Pre-winter perimeter treatment to prevent fall invasions.

Period

Action

February–March

Apply perimeter treatment before spring colonies emerge.

June–August

Peak foraging season — bait stations most effective now.

September

Pre-winter perimeter treatment to prevent fall invasions.

💰 Professional Treatment Costs

Service Type	DIY Cost	Professional Cost
Initial inspection	Free (self-inspect)	$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)
One-time treatment	$30–$100 in materials	$150–$500
Annual service contract	N/A	$400–$900/year
Severe infestation	Often ineffective alone	$500–$2,500+

Service Type

DIY Cost

Professional Cost

Initial inspection

Free (self-inspect)

$75–$150 (often credited to treatment)

One-time treatment

$30–$100 in materials

$150–$500

Annual service contract

N/A

$400–$900/year

Severe infestation

Often ineffective alone

$500–$2,500+

Prices vary by region, property size, and infestation severity.

❓ Common Questions About 🐛 Psyllid (Plant Lice)

How do I confirm I actually have this pest (not something similar)?

The most reliable confirmation is a physical specimen — capture one and compare to reference images on this page. For cryptic pests (bed bugs, termites), look for secondary signs: frass, shed skins, mud tubes, or bites with a specific pattern. When uncertain, a professional inspection is faster than months of misidentification.

Can I treat this myself or do I need a professional?

DIY is effective for small, accessible infestations caught early. Professionals are worth the cost when: the infestation is inside wall voids or structural elements, multiple rooms are affected, you have health-risk pests (hantavirus, venomous species), or DIY has already failed twice.

How long until the infestation is completely gone?

Expect 3–8 weeks for most infestations with proper treatment. Insects with dormant life stages (pupae, eggs) extend the timeline because those stages are impervious to most insecticides. Follow-up treatments at 2 and 4 weeks catch each new cohort as they emerge.

What's the most common mistake people make treating this pest?

Treating only the visible pest population while ignoring the harborage site, entry point, or breeding location. Killing adults provides temporary relief but the population rebuilds from hidden egg cases, pupae, or new arrivals through unaddressed entry points.

🐛 Psyllid (Plant Lice)