APHIDS

Aphids are small, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects with long, slender mouth parts used for sucking the juices out of the host plant. Almost every vegetable plant has one or more aphid species that may occasionally feed on it, and there are many types of aphids. Most plants can tolerate a moderate infestation, but when the infestation becomes substantial, so is the damage. Some of the major aphid pests in Southern California are the Rose Aphid, Deodar Aphid, Melon Aphid, and the Green Peach Aphid.

One of the signs of aphid presence is curled, distorted leaves caused by the juices being sucked out. Also, aphids secrete a sticky substance called “honeydew,” which often turns black with the growth of a sooty mold fungus. Most aphids are wingless, but when colonies get too big or food supplies diminish, winged forms are produced which fly off and establish new colonies.

Ants farm aphids the way we farm cattle, i.e. protecting them from their natural enemies. They may move them from plant to plant so they have a more plentiful food supply and even take them to shelter during storms. Aphids produce “honeydew”, a sugary secretion, which is the favorite food for ants. The presence of aphids actually draws ants to your property!

Give your plants a nice bath periodically using the spray wand from your watering hose. Clean the dust, aphids and other things off your plants. This helps photosynthesis. Aphids, after taking a meal off your plant, do not have the strength to crawl back up and will die on the ground.

Size & Identifying Characteristics:
Vary in size, up to about 1/8”
Various colors, especially green & brown
Suck plant juices of many ornamentals
Cause plant leaves to yellow, curl and/or drop early
Produce honeydew, the favorite food source of ants
Found on underside of leaves and on stems, often in large numbers