Pest of the week – aphid

Aphids are among the most common of garden pests. They’re relatively soft, squishy and destructive. There are thousands of species, and their reproductive strategies are

What’s that in the shadows?

Aphids!

I’ve seen them approach 1cm, but most in my garden are several millimeters long.

Ahpid close-up

Depending on the severity of the infestation, control practices can range from blasting the insects with a hose to insecticidal soaps, topical oils and pesticides to systemics. More environmentally friendly approaches include the release of aphid predators like the ladybug. As aphids grow,

Aphid exoskeletons

Ants commonly “farm” aphids for their

Uh-oh

Aphids on pine

Aphids often focus on weak foliage, and they further weaken any foliage upon which the feed.

Aphid damage on last year’s needles

Given enough time to feed on pine foliage, they can cause needles to yellow and die. Unchecked infestation can do the same to entire trees. And because aphids can be vectors for harmful viruses, they can pose a significant threat to bonsai.

The branch on the left lost its needles due to aphid damage

Treating aphids on pine is the same as treating them on broadleaf trees. Avoid aphids as much as possible by providing enough light and fresh air in the tree’s interior. Keeping plants overly full and crowded next to each other on the bench creates ideal conditions for aphids. Just say no – give your trees the space and sunlight they deserve!

Occasionally aphids provide disguises for themselves. Fortunately, in the case of wooly apple aphid, the disguise is the giveaway.

Wooly apple aphids on apple

The small, brown aphids create fluffy, white secretions in which they hide. The cotton-like structures are often found close to buds. Treat them like you would other aphids.

Close-up

Wooly apple aphids