Aphids: Identification, Natural Control, and When to Spray

Soft-bodied, slow-moving, often fat-abdomened insects clustering on new growth, sucking sap and causing wilting/distortion. Colors: green, pink, red, black; some winged. Some appear seasonally; some prefer specific plants. Honeydew attracts ants and sooty mold. Severe infestations need both aphid and ant control.

Populations explode overnight but rarely last >few weeks. Blast off with sharp water jets; natural predators (lacewings, damsel bugs, ladybugs, syrphid flies, predatory midges, parasitic wasps, lizards, small birds) help. Hot weather kills aphids.

To preserve beneficials, avoid chemicals. After aphids naturally decline and beneficials leave, wash off honeydew/sooty mold with soap spray or water.