Also known as plant lice, aphids are small bugs that are usually green or black, although certain species can be brown or grey. Most species grow to less than 2.5 mm long, and they have a pair of distinctive protrusions (almost like tails) on the rear of their body.
They are most common in temperate parts of the country, and they live in large colonies that feed off the resources of a single plant.
Other Signs You Have an Aphid Problem
While aphids are fairly easy to identify, their existence can be confirmed by the presence of a clear, sticky excretion known as honeydew. When left alone, the honeydew frequently develops a covering of white mold. Signs a plant may be suffering from aphid infestation include stunted growth, delayed flowering, wilted leaves or other indications it is failing to thrive.
Aphid Diet
Aphids eat plant sap to extract the protein and sugar it contains. They have long “beaks” that make it easy to suck nutrients out of the plant's phloem tissue. Since aphids require more protein, the excess sugar is excreted as honeydew. Often a single colony will continue to feast on a plant until it dies.
How Aphids Can Damage Your Plants
Aphids can quickly kill a plant by extracting their sap, which is why gardeners are constantly seeking effective aphid control products. Additionally, aphids spread viruses through their saliva. These viruses can be especially problematic to potatoes, beets and citrus plants. An additional problem is caused by the honeydew which, when it begins to mold, can impede photosynthesis.
How To Control Aphids
Aphids can be removed manually from a plant, though the process is time consuming and rarely 100% successful. Introducing an insect's natural predators, such as ladybugs, is an effective form of organic aphid control. For best results, however, use of an aphid killing insecticidal soap is recommended.
Safer® Brand Insect Killing Soap contains potassium salts of fatty acids, which is known to be an effective aphid killer that is also complaint for use in organic gardening. EndAll™, another powerful Safer® Brand product for aphid control, uses a unique combination of organic pyrethrin, potassium salts of fatty acids and neem oil. Check out the entire line of OMRI Listed® Safer® Brand aphid killers and take control of pest insects in your garden today!
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