Although they are tiny insects, aphids can severely impact the health of your plants. Aguilar Plant Care provides effective aphid control and treatment services, offering solutions to eliminate infestations and protect your plants. Learn about aphids and how our specialists can help you maintain a healthy landscape.
Why are Aphids a threat?
Aphids may have multiple generations in a year and due to California’s mild climate can reproduce as often as 12 times a day without fertilization. According to UCIPM research, when the weather is warm, many aphid species can develop from newborn to adult within a week, producing up to 80 offspring of their own. This rapid population issue will likely require an aphid control specialist.
Large populations can lead to extensive feeding, producing a sticky exudate known as “honeydew” sap on leaves, limbs, and any surrounding plants or objects. Honeydew sap develops a fungi that coats the leaves of a plant with “black sooty mold” inhibiting sunlight penetration and causing further damage to the plant. As shown in the images below, Black Sooty Mold requires physical removal and time to break down or fall off with old leaves.
What are Aphids?
Aphids (family Aphididae) are a group of small, soft-bodied insects with tubelike mouthparts called cornicles that suck the nutrient-rich liquid from plants. Aphids are serious pests that affect most plants by stunting growth, deforming leaves and flowers, and transmitting plant diseases. Aphids multiply quickly and in large numbers, which can weaken plants significantly. Various species of aphids exist and can be specific to certain plants. However, most require similar management by an aphid control specialist.
How do you identify Aphid damage?
Aphid damage varies by species. Most aphids feed on a variety of plants, attacking leaves, stems, buds, flowers, or even fruit. Watch for telltale signs of aphids such as:
- Leaves or stems covered with “honeydew” sticky substance
- Stunted/curling or yellowing of leaves
- “Black sooty mold” on leaves or branches
- Distorted or deformed fruit/flowers
- Wilting or growth distortion from toxins
How do you get rid of Aphids?
Aphids have been found to cause the greatest damage in late spring when temperatures are warm (65-80°f). Monitoring your plants regularly for early infestation is key, by checking the underside of leaves for evidence of these natural enemies. Aphids may transmit viruses from plant to plant, which mottle leaves and prevent plant growth. When damaging numbers are present, an aphid control specialist is recommended. Here at Aguilar Plant Care we offer contact, systemic and organic treatments to help control aphid activity. Please contact our team to have an aphid control specialist implement the best pest management program for you.
