Aphid Control

Aphids are a very common pest in gardens and nursery stock around homes and farms. In fact, they may be the number one pest in both sheer numbers and frequency of plants they will attack. Though there are hundreds of species of aphids, the purpose of this article is not to detail each specie but instead detail basic biology and then offer a wide range of control methods for all types of infestations. The good news about aphids is that there a plenty of treatment options available most of which will work when done at the right time and with the right frequency. The bad news is that aphids are both persistent and quick to multiply – traits which make them a formidable foe. This video shows a common green aphid alongside a ladybug.

Aphids are a small insect which are not much smaller than a grain of rice. There are hundreds of species distributed throughout the world and though most are plant or host specific, aphids are able to adapt their nutritional needs to take advantage of that which is abundant and available. Aphids are generally green in color but can be clear, white and just about any color which may have something to do with just what it is they are eating. Aphids overwinter as eggs and in the spring will hatch winged females that immediately search out a good food supply and once they find one they will lay eggs and move on searching for more food supplies. The eggs which are laid will hatch in a about a week. Aphids have piercing, biting mouthparts and will feed off the sap of plant life. Once they start to feed, this first batch of aphids will start to produce live young.

If you'd like to learn more about this pest, including how to control local infestations, go to our complete APHID CONTROL article which gets into extreme detail.