Aphids

Resource Tags:

Aphids 
Insects, Spiders, & More 

About the Resource:

Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can be quite harmful to many species of plants. They are most often found in clusters on the undersides of leaves or on new growth.

More Info: https://extension.unl.edu/statewide/douglas-sarpy/pdfs/ce/resources/ce-abl-aphids.pdf

Identification

  • Appearance: Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects. Some are green, but they can also be yellow, black, brown, red, gray, white, or pink.
  • Size: They are 1/16 to 1/8 inch long.
  • Behavior: Aphids feed by sucking the sap from plant tissues, which can cause leaves to curl, yellow, or stunt the plant's growth. They also secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold.

Control Methods

  1. Cultural Controls
    • Water Pressure: Spray the affected plants with a strong jet of water to dislodge aphids.
    • Companion Planting: Planting garlic, onions, or chives near desired plants can repel aphids.
    • Remove Infested Leaves: Prune and dispose of heavily infested plant parts.
  2. Biological Controls
    • Natural Predators: Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps feed on aphids. You can attract these predators by planting flowers like dill, fennel, or yarrow.
    • Neem Oil: It’s a natural pesticide that can deter aphids without harming beneficial insects.
  3. Chemical Controls
    • Insecticidal Soap: It’s effective against aphids and can be applied directly to the affected areas.
    • Horticultural Oils: These can smother aphids but must be applied carefully to avoid harming the plants.
    • Organic Insecticides: Products containing pyrethrum are an organic alternative.
    • Synthetic Insecticides: Products containing pyrethroids can be used to control aphids. Active ingredient names that end with “-thrin” are pyrethroids. 
  4. Regular Monitoring
    • Check your plants frequently, especially the undersides of leaves and new growth, to catch infestations early.

Prevention

  • Keep the garden area clean and free from weeds that may harbor aphids.
  • Regularly inspect new plants before adding them to your garden to ensure they are aphid-free.