Water Hyacinth Aphids: Insecticidal Soap or Pyrethrum

Hyacinths yellow with dots, white silk webs with white balls underneath — waterlily aphids. Migrate from peach/plum trees in spring.

Treatment

1. Insecticidal soap (potassium salts of fatty acids) — spray thoroughly, repeat 3× at 5-day intervals.
2. Pyrethrum (natural, from chrysanthemum) — effective, low fish toxicity if used per label.
3. Follow manufacturer instructions exactly.

Lifecycle Note

• Overwinter on stone fruit trees.
• Move to water plants at leaf-out.
• Multiple generations per season.

Fish Safety

• Soap/pyrethrum at label rate = safe for goldfish.
• Treat plants in bucket if possible — return after rinse.
• Remove heavily infested leaves.

Aphids destroy foliage fast. Treat early, repeat, check trees nearby.