Aphids

What are they?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects with long antennae and a pair of cornicles (short tubes) sticking out on either side of their stomachs.

Aphids are common garden pests. These tiny creatures have hundreds of species and almost as many colours. Their see-through bodies are usually green, red, black, yellow, or white.

Should I be concerned?

Aphids damage plants by sucking the sap from leaves, twigs, stems, or roots. They can sometimes spread plant diseases in the process.

Many aphid species produce large amounts of "honeydew," a sweet sap that makes leaves shiny and sticky, accumulating on anything found under infected trees or plants. Because of its sweetness, aphid honeydew attracts other pests like ants, flies, and wasps. The honeydew can also predispose an affected plant to develop black sooty mould, making the leaves appear dirty and grey.

All of these factors contribute to making the aphid a pest. An initial infestation of aphids is usually localized, but can spread quickly if allowed to develop unchecked. A colony of aphids can grow very quickly, especially indoors. To keep plant damage to a minimum, it is important to control an aphid infestation in the early stages.

Alternate Formats

How do I know if I have a problem?

Although aphid damage is easiest to spot on ornamental, fruit, and shade trees, they can also infest flower and vegetable gardens. You will find aphid colonies on the underside of leaves, the tips of branches or anywhere there is new plant growth.

Leaves attacked by aphids have spotty yellow discolourations, usually on the undersides. The leaves may later dry out and wilt or curl. Some types of aphids cause plants to form galls (swellings of plant tissues that are globe or spindle-shaped). The galls, which often turn brown, contain many aphids in all stages of development. When aphids moult, they cast off their skins, which look like small white flakes.

Winged adults are produced only when the colony must migrate, like when the colony is overcrowded or the climate is unfavourable.

How can I get rid of aphids?

Physical control

Predators

Try to attract the natural enemies of aphids by planting a variety of flowering plants. Small-flowered plants like sweet alyssum, yarrow, and herbs in the carrot family are often visited by insects that prey on aphids, like the lady beetle, the lacewing, and syrphid flies. Parasitic wasps are also attracted to these flowers.

Some natural predators or parasites can be bought from specialized suppliers and certain garden and greenhouse supply stores. Follow instructions carefully if buying these biological control products.

Chemical products

Important!

If you use a pesticide to control your pest problem, read the label to make sure you are choosing the right product for the right pest. Follow all label directions and warnings carefully. Always look for a Pest Control Products (PCP) number on the label so you know the product has been approved by Health Canada. See Use pesticides safely for more information on using pesticides safely.

Did you know?

Some provinces and municipalities have placed more restrictions on the use of certain approved lawn and garden pesticides. Please check with your city, province, or local lawn care centre for more information.

Tall, heavily infested trees may be hard to treat without special equipment. For infestations bad enough to threaten the health of a tree, you may want to hire a licensed pest control operator.

For more information

Page details

Date modified: