Identifying & Eliminating Aphids
In Watkinsville, Aphids can be hard to identify at first because they are so extremely small and like to hide in places like the underside of a leaf. However, they do tend to multiply very fast and it is important to get them under control at the first sight. They are so tiny, they are almost impossible to see and can be a range of different colors including black, brown, green, etc. Aphids are not picky, in fact, they have many different species that feed on different types of plants such as the rose aphids or the green peach aphids.
Symptoms of Aphids.
Aphids tend to attack more than just one portion of the tree or plant in Watkinsville, Ga. including the leaves, stems, buds, flowers, etc. However they are more prone to attack new growth versus old. Here are some symptoms of an Aphid attack:
The first and most obvious identifier would be the large clusters of aphids on the leaves, stems or buds of the tree or plant. Aphids gather in large colonies in their attacks.
Leaf wilt is another important sign. If your leaves are curling under or turning yellow, flip them over and check for any sign of aphids.
Look for stickiness on the leaves, or sticky droppings falling from the trees, as this is a sign of honeydew & that the aphids have been eating the sap.
If you have a flowering or a fruit producing tree or plant and notice any distortion to the flower or fruit, this could be another indication.
Noticing any bumps on your trees? These are called “galls” and can be caused by Aphids.
Treatment & Prevention.
Now that you have learned all about aphids and signs that you have an infestation, you should know how to treat and control them! There are many different ways to get rid of and prevent a further problem here are a few:
Treatment:
You can manually remove them by pinching them off, one by one.
Cold water is unfavorable to the aphids, try blasting them, not too hard, but with very cold water.
Neem oil is another organic way to rid your trees and plants of the aphids. This is most effective and most widely used on vergetable and fruit gardens.
“Safer Soap” a natural pesticide is also very safe and effective to use in treatment. This will cause dehydration and death of the aphids within hours.
We do not recommend using any type of harmful chemical pesticide unless the infestation is large enough for justification. Botanical insecticides can be bought at local home stores, just be sure to read all the label instructions before use.
Prevention:
Over fertilizing your trees and plants can cause a rapid aphid infestation as the aphids enjoy plants and trees with high nitrogen levels and soft new growth.
While neem oil is used as an all natural treatment for aphids, it is also an effective preventative measure to take before they take over.
Insects such as lacewings, wasps, and lady beetles feed on aphids. You might want to consider placing these insects around or planting some species that they are attracted to near the aphid infestation and let nature take its course!
Aphids can really damage your trees and plants, and sometimes can be harder to get rid of depending on the size of the infestation. It is important to know when a professional should step in and take care of the problem once and for all. Click the link below to get in touch with one of our Arborists in Watkinsville, Ga. for a free estimate!