Watch For Aphids!

 

Aphids are active this time of year when there is so much new, tender growth on plants. You will usually find them on the underside of new growth and along the stems. These pests will suck the sap out of the new leaves and will cause distorted leaf growth, leaves to yellow or fall off.
 

They multiply prolifically. They first hatch from eggs laid previously in fall. Almost all will be females who reproduce without male mates. They give birth to live young during the spring and summer, skipping the egg laying step.
 

 

The females produce more females who produce more females, and the population expands without a single male. These first aphids have no wings either, they can only walk. They develop wings only when the host plant becomes too crowded and the group must move on to survive.
 

Only later in summer do both females and males develop. As the weather cools they find suitable mates and the females lay eggs who will be next year’s first female aphids. Who knew a teeny-tiny, pest of a bug could be so resourceful!?
 

How do you control aphids?

• Apply Diatomaceous Earth – an organic material that will kill aphids. Don’t apply this when plants are blooming since it is harmful to pollinators.

• Neem oil, horticultural oils – follow directions and don’t use if temperature is over 85 degrees.

• Apply an insecticidal soap

• Treat with malathion, Orthene, or acephate.
 

Additional applications may be necessary to control these pests.