Aphids, also nicknamed plant lice, are sap-sucking insects that can spread plant diseases and stunt growth. Although tiny, they can end up doing large amounts of damage to your clients’ gardens. Effective aphid prevention and control is crucial for maintaining healthy plants and keeping happy customers. 

By looking into the life cycles of aphids, signs of activity, and control techniques, you can ensure that your clients’ plants remain vibrant and healthy. 

Aphid’s Lifecycles

The lifecycle of aphids is uniquely complex. Aphids not only adapt to their environment quickly, but they also reproduce rapidly. Aphids lay eggs, which later hatch into “nymphs.” Many aphids can reproduce asexually, which contributes to their rapid population growth. Between early spring to late summer, multiple generations are capable of being produced. Some species of aphids can develop wings and migrate to new plants. In the fall, they lay eggs that overwinter and hatch during the spring, starting the cycle over. Therefore, it is crucial to act promptly, once aphids are discovered. 

Signs of Activity/Damage

Being able to notice aphid activity and damage is important for early intervention and management. Aphids can often be found in clusters on the underside of leaves, stems, and new growth. They feed like vampires, piercing the plant tissue, and sucking the sap out. 

This damage can appear as a variety of symptoms. Common signs of damage can include yellowing or curling leaves, stunted plant growth, and distortion of flowers and fruit. Another sign you might be dealing with aphids is “honeydew,” the sticky substance they release when they feed. Honeydew can attract ants and promote the growth of sooty mold, a black fungus that causes harm to plants by blocking sunlight. In the most dangerous of cases, aphids can transmit plant viruses. 

Prevention and Control Methods

Being attentive and early detection is the key to minimizing aphid infestations. Checking plants weekly and maintaining proper plant health through proper watering, fertilization, and pruning can help reduce vulnerability to aphids. 

• If using insecticides, you can take a few different approaches. Systemic insecticides, best for long term, are absorbed by the plant and affect aphids when they go to feed. If you plan to use contact insecticides, it’s important to ensure the spray droplets contact the aphids. Make sure when using insecticides, you follow the manufacturer's instructions to avoid harming other useful insects. 
   
• Introducing natural predators like ladybugs can also prevent aphid infestation. You can use banker plants to nourish these predators, so they can remain healthy and ready to attack. 
   
• Horticultural oils are another resource, they suffocate the insects and disrupt their membranes. However, always read their caution labels, oils can harm the foliage of some plants, especially during higher temperatures. 
   
• Fatty acid salts or insecticidal soaps also work against aphids. They require direct contact with the insects and disrupt the aphids’ membranes, like summer oils.

If no measures are taken towards aphid control, the plant likely will become infected with a virus and decay. Nearby plants are also susceptible to catching the aphid-borne virus. Aphids are no joke, with diligence and the right strategies, you can keep your clients’ plants flourishing.

Dig Deeper: Explore SiteOne’s Resources

Local branch associates are available to help answer questions you may have about aphids and other pest control. To learn more about pest management you can visit our website. Shop 24/7/365 on SiteOne.com and the SiteOne mobile app.