Aphid
Aphidoidea
470 host plants
Last updated
During growing season you will observe sticky honeydew coating leaves and twigs, followed by sooty mold that blackens foliage. Look for clusters of soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects in green, gray, or black on new growth and shoot tips. On conifers like firs and spruces, larger blackish conifer aphids (Cinara spp.) create obvious colonies on main branches.
Spray infested areas forcefully with water; repeat every few days for light infestations. Release ladybird beetles, lacewings, or parasitoid wasps which naturally control aphids when broad-spectrum insecticides are avoided. Apply insecticidal soap or horticultural oil when cool (below 85F). Neem oil requires repeated applications every 7 to 10 days. Reserve pyrethrin sprays for severe outbreaks.
Quick Reference
Monitoring & Action
Scout new growth weekly for early colonies (March-April). By week 2-3, look for natural enemies: ladybug larvae (tiny, elongated, black and orange), syrphid fly larvae (green maggots), parasitoid mummies (tan, swollen, papery aphids). Monitor mummy ratios to live aphid counts. Presence of predators means waiting is the correct response.
Establish 3-week waiting period from first detection of colonies. If by week 3 predator populations (lady beetles, lacewings, syrphids) are visible and mummy counts are rising, allow natural control to proceed - do not spray. Treat only if: (1) populations are growing despite 3 weeks' waiting, (2) mummy ratios are flat, (3) plant shows stress. For heavy aphids on young trees, water spray dislodges without harming predators.
Asparagus aphids are small (1⁄16"), powdery gray to gray-green insects. They may be winged or wingless. They feed in colonies on the ferns of asparagus and are typically found at the base of leaves. Aphid feeding causes severe stunting of the foliage and gives fronds a tufted, blue-gray appearance. Shoots of mature plants are severely stunted. Seedling plants may be killed. Asparagus aphids produce honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may attract ants or become covered with a growth of dark sooty mold. The aphids overwinter as eggs, which are laid on the ferns in the fall as the ferns begi
Cultural Controls
- Many parasites and predators attack aphids.
- Monitor the proportion of aphid mummies to unparasitized adults, and the number of predators such as lady beetles.
- If the biocontrol agents appear to be gaining control, avoid sprays which would disrupt this system.
- Most products available for aphid control are highly disruptive to natural enemy populations.
- Controlling weeds late in the season may help reduce overwintering populations.
- Aphid populations...