Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that can devastate ornamental trees.
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Aphids are sap-sucking insects. Some aphids are monophagous, meaning they only eat one species of plant, while other aphids feed on hundreds of different plants.
Aphids have a particularly complex life cycle; they reproduce quickly, alternating between sexual and asexual reproduction. As such, a few aphids can quickly turn into a devastating infestation.
The plants that aphids eat also serve as their habitat. Aphids typically live on the undersides of leaves; along with their small size and green colouration, this can make them extremely hard to detect.
The first signs of an aphid infestation are spots, yellowing, curling, and wilting on leaves; these symptoms typically first appear on the undersides of leaves. As aphid infestation progresses, plant growth can be severely stunted.
Aphids in Manitoba attack trees, including poplar, elm, crabapple, and Manitoba maple trees. When they eat those trees, they excrete sticky honeydew. This honeydew can fall on your property, including your sidewalks, driveway, windows, home, and vehicles.
The consequences of an aphid infestation can be severe: the infected tree will often die if the infestation is untreated, and the honeydew can be difficult and time-consuming to clean. The cost of cleaning honeydew and planting a new tree can far exceed the cost of hiring an exterminator.
Aphids are not dangerous to humans or pets; they have few natural defences. The biggest threat posed by aphid populations is to crops and ornamental trees, as discussed above.
Controlling aphids can be challenging. Using insecticides can kill beneficial insects; many of these insects are the natural predators of aphids. As such, insecticides must be chosen carefully to avoid harming beneficial insects.
Introducing and attracting beneficial insects can help control aphid populations. Parasitic wasps (like braconid wasps) and lady beetles are two highly effective biological control agents.
The undersides of leaves can also be sprayed with water to reduce aphid populations.
Planting sweet alyssum, yarrow, and herbs in the carrot family can help prevent the growth of aphid infestation by attracting their natural predators.
Using row covers in early spring can also help prevent aphid populations from developing on young plants.
Finally, you should regularly scout for aphids and remove infested plants or leaves before infestations grow out of control.
Have an out-of-control aphid population? We can help. Our targeted insecticides can eliminate aphid eggs, young aphids, and adult aphids. Our integrated pest management services can also help you control aphids before they get to the infestation stage.
For Manitoba pest control, choose Gilles Lambert; we can help deal with aphids, rodents, and other infestations. We also offer grain silo fumigation.
