Aphids, also commonly known as greenfly or blackfly (although many other colours are also found), are probably the most common insect pest of Camellias. They are usually found on the soft, new growth of young shoots in the spring and early summer, where they tend to congregate on the underside of leaves and can rapidly form large colonies. Later in the year, particularly if the weather remains mild in autumn and early winter, aphids may also be found on the developing flower buds.

The very best treatment for scale insects and indeed any of the insect pests on your garden plants, is to encourage birds to your garden. Members of the Tit family in particular are voracious consumers of common garden pests