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Aphid Identification & Control
What Are Aphids?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They reproduce rapidly and can cause significant harm to plants by weakening them and spreading plant diseases.
While aphids pose a serious threat to farmers, they can also be a nuisance for homeowners. These insects normally live outdoors in yards and gardens, but are occasionally brought inside on cut flowers, houseplants, clothing, and through open windows.
Appearance
Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that come in a variety of colors. Some species have a waxy or woolly coating due to the secretion of a white or gray substance over their body surface. Most are wingless, but winged forms are produced when populations grow too large or food becomes scarce.
Behavior
Aphids feed on the sap of a wide variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, flowers, and ornamental plants. They reproduce rapidly through asexual reproduction, giving live birth to already-pregnant female nymphs in a phenomenon called telescoping generations.
During the spring and fall, some aphid species migrate in large numbers as they switch to different host plants between seasons.
Risks
Aphids are among the most destructive pests in the garden. Their presence, especially in large numbers, may stunt plant growth and cause leaves to spot, curl, and wilt. Furthermore, aphids also excrete a sugary substance known as honeydew, which promotes the growth of sooty mold.
Identification
Aphids
Aphids have soft, pear-shaped bodies and long, slender mouthparts called stylets that they use to pierce plant tissue and suck out sap. One distinguishing feature is the presence of two tubelike structures called cornicles that project backward from the rear end of their body.
Size: 1/16″ – 1/8″ (2 – 4 mm)
Color: Green, yellow, white, red, brown, black, or gray
Identifying Features:
- A pear-shaped body with a large, bulbous abdomen
- 2 small, upright tubes (cornicles) projecting from the rear (may be absent in some species)
- Some species have a waxy or woolly appearance
- Most aphids are wingless, but winged forms (alates) may appear during certain times
Control
How to Get Rid of Aphids
Regularly inspect houseplants for signs of aphids, quarantine new plants before introducing them indoors, and prune heavily infested leaves or stems to prevent the spread of the pests.
For minor infestations, the affected plants outside and spray with soapy water to knock the aphids off stems and leaves. For more severe infestations, apply insecticidal soap or neem oil, making sure to cover all parts of the plant, especially the undersides of leaves.
Additionally, sticky traps placed around infested plants can help capture winged aphids before they spread.
FAQs
What Eats Aphids? (Biological Control)
There are several natural predators that can help control outdoor aphid populations, such as in a garden, without the need for chemical treatments.
- Ladybugs: One of the most well-known aphid predators, both adult ladybugs and their larvae feed voraciously on aphids. Releasing ladybugs into your garden can significantly reduce aphid numbers.
- Lacewing Larvae (Aphid Lions): Lacewing larvae are aggressive aphid hunters. These tiny predators consume large quantities of aphids and can be purchased online or from garden supply stores.
- Hoverfly Larvae: Adult hoverflies lay their eggs near aphid colonies, and once the larvae hatch, they begin feeding on the aphids.
- Beneficial Parasitic Wasps: Parasitic wasps lay their eggs inside aphids, and as the wasp larvae develop, they kill the aphids from the inside out.
By attracting or introducing these natural predators, you can effectively manage aphid infestations while maintaining a healthy, balanced garden ecosystem.
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