Ultralawn, Inc. 1055 East 260th Street Euclid, Ohio  44132 (216) 731-7756 (440) 951-3738 Lawn Pests   We welcome the opportunity to answer your questions Aphids   Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects with long, slender mouth-parts with which they pierce stems, leaves, and other tender plant parts to suck out plant fluids. Almost every plant has one or more aphid species, which occasionally feed on it. Many aphid species are difficult to distinguish from one another; however, identification to species is not necessary to control aphids in most situations. Description: Aphids may be green, yellow, brown, red or black depending on the species and the plants they feed on. All are small, pear-shaped insects with long legs and antennae. Adult aphids are generally wingless, but most species also occur in winged forms, especially when populations are high or during spring and fall. The ability to produce winged individuals provides the pest with a way to disperse to other plants when the food source gets scarce. Although they may be found singly, aphids often feed in dense groups on leaves or stems. Damage: Low to moderate numbers of leaf-feeding aphids is usually not damaging trees or shrubs. However, large populations cause curling, yellowing, and distortion of leaves and stunting of shoots. Aphids transmit viruses from plant to plant on certain ornamental plants. The viruses cause mottling, yellowing or curling of leaves and stunting of plant growth. Although losses can be great, they are difficult to prevent through the control of aphids because infection occurs even when aphid numbers are very low; it only takes a few minutes for the aphid to transmit the virus while it takes a much longer time to kill the aphid with an insecticide. Control: Many preventative insect controls are available to manage aphids around the home. This will provide more effective long-term control. Another way to reduce aphid populations on sturdy plants is to knock them off with a strong spray of water. Most dislodged aphids will not be able to return to the plant. Spraying water early in the day allows plants to dry off rapidly in the sun and be less susceptible to fungal diseases. Copyright 2010-2011 Updated December 9, 2011 About • Lawn Care • Trees/Shrubs • Pest Barrier • Questions • Contact