Aphids are tiny insects that suck the sap from leaves and plants. While harmless in small numbers, they can rapidly multiply into huge populations and damage the plants they are feeding on.
Aphid infestations can lead to discolored or wilted leaves, stunted plant growth, and mold growth, all of which can ruin your home's landscaping. Thankfully, there are several effective ways to handle or prevent an infestation.
Pear-shaped bodies with antennae. Two tails ("cornicles") at end of abdomen - easiest way to identify aphids.
2-4mm long (1/16-1/8 inches). Tiny and hard to spot unless inspecting closely or population is large.
Green, yellow, black, red, or gray depending on species and plants eaten. Winged aphids may be darker.
Most are wingless. Some develop wings when population is crowded and plants lose nutrients.
Usually feed in large groups. Can nearly blanket leaves when population is large.
Nymphs look like smaller adults. Shed white exoskeletons on leaves as they grow.
Leaves become twisted, curled, or yellow from sap removal.
Plants struggle to grow. Shoots may die and be unable to produce flowers.
Some aphids carry plant viruses like cucumber mosaic virus, infecting vegetables and flowers when they bite.
Sugary liquid waste dots plants and surfaces below. Attracts ants and yellow jackets.
Black fungus grows on honeydew, turning leaves black. Unsightly and potential health hazard.
A dozen aphids can lead to hundreds of thousands infesting a plant in just weeks. Females can reproduce asexually and produce 40-60 offspring each. Young mature in only 7-10 days.
Winged aphids fly to plant and leave behind young aphids.
Young feed on plant sap and grow rapidly.
Mature in 7-10 days. Can reproduce asexually.
When plant loses nutrients, winged aphids carry young to new plants.
Lifespan: Most aphids only live for about 1 month. Asexual reproduction takes 20-30 days. Some species give birth to live young while others lay eggs.
Professional treatment protects your landscaping and garden.
Call (866) 326-2847Spray aphids off plants. One of the most effective methods.
Few drops of dish soap in water. Reapply every 2-3 days for 2 weeks.
Remove heavily infested leaves or crush small numbers by hand.
Disrupt aphid membranes. Avoid high temperatures and growing season.
Sowthistle and mustard can support large aphid populations.
Makes plants more resilient against aphid feeding.
Insecticidal soap, salts, summer oils, neem (azadirachtin). Little harm to environment and helpful insects. Neem causes aphids to stop feeding and slowly starve.
Work quickly, do not need reapplication. Includes acephate, permethrin, bifenthrin. Downside: can kill helpful bugs and harm plants in wrong season.
Applied to tree base, transported through sap to leaves. Effective for trees. Takes 2-4 weeks. Includes imidacloprid, dinotefuran. Also kills other insects.
Need to get rid of an aphid infestation? Contact EcoGuard Pest Control as soon as possible. Our pest control experts will determine the most effective and eco-friendly way to deal with your aphid infestation and prevent further damage to your landscaping.
Aphids have pear-shaped bodies with antennae and two tails (cornicles) at the end of their abdomens. They are 2-4mm long and range in color from green, yellow, black, red, or gray depending on species and the plants they eat.
Aphids mature and can start reproducing in only 7-10 days. Each female can produce 40-60 offspring, and many can reproduce asexually. A dozen aphids can lead to hundreds of thousands infesting a plant in just weeks.
High-pressure water spray is one of the most effective methods for small infestations. For larger problems, insecticidal soaps or professional treatment may be needed. Encouraging natural predators like ladybugs can also help prevent populations from growing.
