Insects on an Allspice Tree

Red Borer

• Red borer larvae can tunnel inside allspice branch collars, the point where the branch meets the trunk, damaging the tree. The larvae resemble caterpillars or grubs. Red borer larvae cause allspice branches to wilt or wither. They can be controlled with insecticide containing carbaryl applied directly to the branches that are affected.

Tea Mosquito

• Tea mosquitoes can also attack allspice trees. These pests resemble mosquitoes, but their body is black and red and their wings are reddish-brown. These bugs suck the sap from young leaves and stems, leaving allspice with dead splotches on the leaf tissue. Tea mosquitoes can be controlled with insecticides containing quinalphos.

Fruit Fly

• The Caribbean fruit fly is a common pest of allspice trees growing in Jamaica, reports K.V. Peter. This pest occurs somewhat in Florida and rarely in California -- just six times since 1983. These small flies average 1/3 inch in length and have tan-colored bodies with black and clear wings. The wings have an S pattern. These bugs target the allspice berries, laying eggs under the berries. Hatched larvae bore through the fruit, ruining it. These pests can be controlled with insecticide.

Other Pests

• Aside from these specific insect pests, allspice trees can host more common pests, including scale, whiteflies, thrips, weevils and bagworm caterpillar. Scales generally cause little damage; they look like stationary lumps on plant tissue and may be hard or soft. Whiteflies are white; weevils look like black beetles. These pests attack young leaves and shoots and can be controlled with insecticide.