Host Plants
Aphids are found on many plants, including roses, vegetables, fruit & nut trees, birches, maples, other hardwood and evergreen trees, bulbs, and other plants.
Damage
Aphid damage includes loss of leaf color, leaf drop, and potential twig injury or death. Isolated damage areas on plants can spread to include the whole plant under heavy infestations. Noticeable honeydew is produced by their feeding, which coats leaf surfaces as well as twigs and other wood.
Prevention
- Do not overfertilize with nitrogen; aphids seek tender new growth.
- Attract beneficial insects and birds to your yard with properly selected plants that provide food and shelter.
- Purchase lacewing eggs: allow them to hatch in your yard. Lacewing larvae and adults attack and feed on aphids.
Control
- Spray buds and leaves (tops and undersides of leaves) thoroughly with water. Repeat every few days or as often as necessary.
- Apply insecticidal soaps. Follow the rate and application timing as directed on the label. Do not apply if beneficial insects are present that have sufficiently corrected the problem.
Further Information: See Extension Bulletin – EM009 – Pest Control in Home Vegetable Gardens. You can purchase a copy from WSU or click on the “Download Free PDF” button to view and print it for yourself.