Aphids: Identification, Signs & Control

What Are Aphids?

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can be found in many colors — including green,

yellow, red, gray, and black. They feed by sucking sap from buds, leaves, twigs, and developing fruit, often gathering in dense groups.

Life Cycle

Adult aphids are usually wingless, but they can develop wings when populations become overcrowded, when their food source deteriorates, or in the fall. Aphids have many generations per year. Some species lay eggs to overwinter, while others can give birth to live young — either in times of plenty or under stress. There is no pupal stage, and aphids can reach reproductive maturity in as little as 8 days.

Signs of an Aphid Infestation

As aphids feed, sap passes through their bodies and is ejected from the rear as a sticky substance called honeydew. A telltale sign of aphids is sticky residue dripping from plants onto cars, patio furniture, and other surfaces below. Over time, honeydew can develop a coating of black sooty mold fungus.

Another sign of aphid activity is the presence of ants, which actively protect aphid colonies because they feed on the honeydew the aphids produce.

Natural Predators

Lady beetles (ladybugs) are voracious aphid predators — if you're seeing large numbers of them, it's a good indicator that aphids are nearby. Don't be alarmed by lady beetle nymphs, which can look a bit intimidating, but they are equally effective at controlling aphid populations and are a welcome presence in your landscape.

Control

Aphids can be controlled with a variety of products. Most are contact sprays, which means thorough coverage is essential — spray all parts of the plant, including the tops and undersides of leaves. Because many beneficial insects (like lady beetles) also feed on aphids, always apply sprays very early in the morning, before 8 AM, to minimize harm to beneficial insect populations.

Products We Recommend

• Hi-Yield 38 Plus Insecticide 16 oz — broad-spectrum contact insecticide effective on aphids and many other pests.
• Fertilome Fruit Tree Spray 16 oz — multi-purpose spray for fruit trees and ornamentals.
• Bonide Fruit Tree Spray Concentrate 32 oz — concentrated formula for broad insect and disease control.
• Bonide Annual Tree & Shrub Insect Control Concentrate 32 oz — systemic control for trees and shrubs, long-lasting protection.
• Ferti-lome Triple Action Concentrate 16 oz — controls insects, diseases, and mites in one convenient spray.
• Ferti-lome Triple Action Concentrate 8 oz — same great triple-action formula in a smaller size.