lemon tree…curl leaf and small black bugs

Question

My lemon tree has curl leaf and this seems to reoccur every few months. Also, I cut it down so it can start growing again because of the drought. Now it’s growing again and lovely, but the curl leaf reappeared and now it has these little black wood bugs! How do I get rid of it naturally?

Answer 1

Black Citrus Aphids are tiny little soft bodies insects that that feed on the juices of the young citrus leaves. Their feeding cause the leaves to turn inward toward the stems. They rarely feed on the older leaves so control may not be warranted. Many growers leave the Aphids alone, as they produce honeydew that other pests eat, thus keeping them off of the fruit.
Here are some links with more information.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/citrus/curling-citrus-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/edible/fruits/lemons/pests-of-lemon-trees.htm