If the leaves on your roses or maple trees are curling and covered in a sticky residue, you likely have an Aphid infestation. These tiny insects are the #1 pest for Utah gardeners.
The LookThey are tiny, pear-shaped insects that are usually green, but can also be red, black, or woolly white.
The "Tail-Pipes"If you look through a hand lens, you’ll see two small tubes called cornicles sticking out of their rear end (similar to the ground spider’s spinnerets).
The ColonyThey are rarely found alone. You will typically see dozens of them clustered on the underside of new leaves or on succulent stems.
FeedingAphids have straw-like mouthparts used to pierce plant tissue and suck out the nutrient-rich sap. This causes leaves to yellow, curl, and stunt the growth of the plant.
The "Honeydew" ProblemAs they feed, they excrete a sticky, sugary substance called "honeydew." This residue coats leaves and patio furniture and often grows a black "sooty mold."
The Ant ConnectionAnts love honeydew! You will often see trails of ants running up trees to "farm" the aphids, protecting them from predators like ladybugs in exchange for the sugar.
Why is my car covered in sticky sap under my maple tree?That isn't sap from the tree; it’s honeydew raining down from thousands of aphids feeding in the canopy above.
Do aphids fly?Most are wingless, but when a colony gets too crowded or the plant dies, the next generation grows wings to fly to a fresh host plant.
How do I get rid of them without killing the bees?Strong blasts of water from a garden hose can physically knock them off. For heavy infestations, systemic treatments or horticultural oils are effective when applied correctly.
