Aphids are tiny insects that can become a serious nuisance. These soft-bodied pests feed on the plant sap and eventually cause leaves to wilt. While aphids can’t cause major damage to well-established plants, they can affect younger trees and ruin the aesthetic appeal of your garden.
Controlling aphids before they start reproducing is key to preventing an infestation. Understanding what steps to take can help you save your garden from these pests this summer and beyond.
What are Aphids?
Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that come in different colors, including green, black, yellow, and red. They often cluster on the undersides of leaves or around new plant growth. If you notice sticky residue (called honeydew) or sooty mold, you likely have an aphid problem.
These insects feed by sucking sap from plant stems and leaves. This weakens plants and may cause younger trees to grow poorly. Their honeydew secretion can also attract ants and encourage mold growth. While established plants can survive some aphid damage, young or weak plants may suffer serious harm.
While aphids are small, they reproduce rapidly. During the summer, females can do it without fertilization. They produce living young which immediately take up more space on the affected plant.
When it becomes too crowded for everyone, younger aphids develop into adults and fly to occupy nearby plants. In the late fall, females and males mate to produce eggs, which are equipped to survive the winter.
What Plants Do Aphids Prefer?
Different aphid species prefer different plants. However, they can feed on virtually any tree or shrub in Denver. That’s why regular inspections are key to keeping your garden safe.
How to Get Rid of Aphids and Prevent Future Infestations
With over 350 species of aphids in Colorado, insect control may seem like a lost battle. However, some effective ways to get rid of these pests exist.
Spray With Water
A strong blast of water from a garden hose can knock aphids off plants and reduce their numbers. This method works best for minor infestations. You may have to repeat this regularly until all aphids are gone.
Use Insecticidal Soap
Insecticidal soap coats and suffocates aphids without harming beneficial insects. You would need to spray it directly on affected areas to make sure that all undersides of leaves are fully covered.
Apply Neem Oil
Neem oil is a natural pesticide that disrupts aphids’ life cycle. Regular applications can control the aphid populations while keeping other plants safe. Mix two tablespoons of neem oil with a cup of water in a spray bottle and apply the mixture to the affected leaves.
Remove Infested Leaves
If an aphid infestation is small, pruning affected plant parts can stop the spread. Dispose of the pruned leaves and branches away from your garden to prevent re-infestation.
Natural Predators
Several beneficial insects feed on aphids and help keep their population in check. They are ladybugs, lacewings, and ladybeetles. Planting flowers like marigolds and daisies can encourage these helpful insects to stay in your garden.
Preventive Measures
To prevent aphid infestation in your garden, you need to inspect your plants regularly and keep them in top shape. Strong, well-watered plants are highly resistant to aphid damage.
However, even if your plant appears healthy while aphids are feeding on it, you still need to put up a fight. These insects can easily spread to other trees and shrubs in the garden and weaken them over time.
For more information about dealing with common garden pests in Denver, please get in touch with our certified arborists and lawn care specialists today.