Willow Aphids and Lady Beetles: Natural Control

Black, round, red-when-squished insects on willow = lady beetles eating aphids. Not pests—they're the solution.

Identification

• Lady beetles: Various colors (solid black, orange, red), all beneficial
• Aphids: Tiny, soft, clustered, honeydew producers
• Thousands on branch = aphid feast for beetles

Management

• Do nothing—beetles control aphids naturally
• Spraying kills both—counterproductive
• Late season = aphids declining anyway
• Beetles overwinter, return next spring

Your customer has a working biological control system. Enjoy the free pest management.