How to deal with Aphids.

Dealing with Aphids

Aphids are little, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects that measure between 1/16 to 1/8 inch in length. Green is the most common color, however they can also be pink, brown, black, or yellow. A waxy coat gives some aphids a fuzzy or powdery look. Adults can have or don't have wings.

Yellow Aphids

Aphids like fresh growth and the undersides of leaves to feed on. Some animals eat roots. Plant sap is sucked by them, causing yellowing and malformed leaves. In addition, new buds may be malformed and growth may be stunted.

Aphids secrete a sugary substance called honeydew while they feed, which makes leaves glossy and sticky. On the honeydew, sooty mold fungus can grow, leaving ugly dark splotches on the plant's surfaces.

Healthy Plants tips:

Handpicking, spraying with water, or wiping the insects with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol may be effective for mild infestations. It's also possible to apply insecticidal soap spray. The treatment will most likely need to be repeated several times. Spray insecticidal soap, neem oil extract, pyrethrin, imidacloprid, cyfluthrin, deltamethrin, or lambda cyhalothrin on houseplants that are taken outside to reduce aphids. Aphids can be controlled with imidacloprid granules applied to the soil. For safe usage, follow the recommendations on the label.