Homoptera: Aphididae

Identification
• Aphids are pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects up to ¹/₈" long, usually with two tailpipe-like posterior projections.
• Most aphids are green, but can be any color.

Damage
• Aphids suck juices out of leaves and stems of spinach, cabbage, Brussels sprouts, tomato, pea, apple, milkweed, goldenrod, and other plants.
• Large numbers can cause leaf and stem distortion.
• Aphids excrete honeydew that makes leaves sticky and may support sooty mold growth.

Management
• Natural enemies, such as lady beetles, lacewings, hover flies, and parasitic wasps, provide control.
• Spray with insecticidal soap to control aphid populations.

Other Information
• Only female aphids may be present during the summer. They give birth to living young without mating.
• In the fall, males are produced, mating occurs, and females lay overwintering eggs.
• Ants feed on the honeydew and may kill aphid predators.