How To Identify Aphids

Aphids, also called plant lice, are small (less than ¼ inch) insects with pear-shaped bodies that come in many colors (green, black, brown, yellow or red).  Aphids feed on plant juices, attacking leaves, stems, buds, flowers and/or fruits depending on species. They especially like succulent or new growth, which is also the most susceptible to damage. Some species, such as the green peach aphid, feed on a variety of plants, while others, such as the rosy apple aphid, attack on one or just a few plant hosts.

"Aphids can be various colors, including yellow, and produce a sticky honeydew substance."

Aphid Damage

Aphid Larva

Look for misshapen, curling, stunted, or yellow leaves. Be sure to check the undersides of leaves, aphids love to hide there.
If the leaves or stems are covered with a sticky substance, that is a sign that aphids may have been sipping sap. The honeydew, a sugary liquid produced by the insects as waste, can attract other insects such as ants, which gather the substance for food. When aphids feed on trees, their honeydew can drop onto cars, outdoor furniture, driveways, etc.

The honeydew can sometimes develop a fungal growth called sooty mold, causing branches and leaves to appear black.Flowers or fruit can become distorted or deformed due to feeding aphids.

Some aphid species cause galls to form on roots or leaves.
Aphids may transmit viruses to certain plants, and also attract other insects that prey on them, such as ladybugs.

How To Treat For Aphids

Dominion® Tree & Shrub Insecticide Concentrate is an excellent product for aphid control on flowers, shrubs and trees. It is a systemic insecticide.  After application it’s absorbed and spread throughout the plant. Since aphids feed by sucking juices from plants, a systemic insecticide like Dominion Tree & Shrub reaches them wherever they feed.

Aphid Giving Birth

Dominion Tree & Shrub can be applied either as a foliar spray or a soil treatment.  For foliar application, dilute the product according to the label directions and spray infested plants, thoroughly wetting stems, branches and leaves (including the undersides).

Dominion® Tree & Shrub Insecticide Concentrate

Dominion Tree & Shrub Insecticide Concentrate

Dominion Tree & Shrub can be applied either as a foliar spray or a soil treatment.  For foliar application, dilute the product according to the label directions and spray infested plants, thoroughly wetting stems, branches and leaves (including the undersides).

Soil treatments provide longer residual control then foliar sprays, and can be made using hand-operated or hose-end sprayers, or as a drench.  For a drench, Dominion Tree & Shrub should be diluted with water according to label directions in a bucket and poured around the base of the plant. Once in the root zone, Dominion is absorbed and spread all through the plant. 

Dominion® Fruit Tree & Vegetable Insecticide Concentrate

Dominion Fruit Tree & Vegetable Insecticide Concentrate

For aphid infestations in vegetable gardens or on fruit trees and, use Dominion® Fruit Tree & Vegetable Insecticide Concentrate, which is specifically formulated for fruits and vegetables.

 

Doug Ross

Technical Services Manager Martin's Brand

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