Question
Hi Jennifer,

My Meyer Lemon Tree I've had for three years spending the cold in house is starting to get something on it's leaves...and spitting the syrupy stuff all around near it. It's shiny and sticky. Plant is still inside for another month until it warms up outside.
What spray or what if anything should I do.  It had two baby lemons for about a week on the tree until they dropped off about two months ago.
Thanks for your help.

Answer
I suspect your lemon has some type of insect problem.  Several types of insects (Aphids, Whiteflies, Scales, Leafhoppers) feed on leaves and exude a shiny and sticky substance called honeydew.  You will have to look closely to try to determine which pest you may have.  You can look at the underside of the leaves or try to put some paper under the lemon and gently shake the plant.  Then, you can look for movement on the paper where the insects have fallen.  They are generally quite small.

To stop the leaves from being sticky, you need to solve the insect problem. Start by washing the leaves including the undersides to remove/dislodge insects.  You may need to treat with a horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to completely eliminate the insects.  You should be able to buy these products at your local garden supply store.