Aphids
-Folsom, California
Most all of us have at least heard of Aphids. But other than being an insect, what else do you really know about them? Chances are you’ve noticed already that Summer is the time we experience the results of the Aphid activity that took place during the Spring. The appearance of ants and wasps right in the middle of our Summer entertaining, effecting landscapes, patios and pool areas is a direct result of the Aphids that attached themselves to the leaves of the plant months before. So after a little research on these suckers (no, literally, they are piercing/sucking insects), I can tell you why Aphids are one pest you don’t want to leave unchecked.
It’s no wonder that the very plants that Aphids prefer are those that are the most dear to us. Once attached to the leaf surface of the host plant, Aphids pierce and feed on leaves, depleting them of the nutrients necessary to thrive. Many times the removal of so many nutrients causes stunted growth, yellowing and wilting leaves. Another harmful side effect of Aphid presence is their saliva, which is toxic to plants and full of disease-causing viruses easily spread to other healthy plants and ultimately leading to the death of the plant.
An important byproduct of Aphid infestation is the sticky, sweet substance they secrete, called honeydew. This honeydew causes some particularly harmful threats to the host plant. Once it coats the leaves of the plant, it blocks out sunlight necessary for healthy plant life and allows a black sooty mold to form on the leaves. This mold can be quite resistant to fungicides thereby allowing the spread of fungi which can damage plants.
And here’s where your summer fun is at risk.
These honeydew droplets are known to coat decks, cars, and patios, creating a real mess of your summer plans for entertaining. But not only is this honeydew unpleasant to us, it is considered extremely pleasant to Ants and Wasps, which feed on the Aphid honeydew. These insects, in particular, swarm to it. But not only do ants swarm to the honeydew, they will actually act as a protector of Aphids, and essentially ‘herd’ Aphids, the source of their food.
So knowing what you do about Aphids, I’m sure you will agree that one way to enjoy your landscape during the spring and summer months is to keep Aphids and other invasive insects from the pleasure of it. At Alta Sierra Pest Control, we perform systemic treatments on plants, trees and bushes which are most susceptible to Aphid infestation. This treatment must be done in the winter months during the rainy season (ideally between December and February) in order to be fully effective.
So this summer take extra notice of those parts of your landscape that aren’t so enjoyable. Those plants more prone to ants and wasps are the very plants that you will want to have treated the following winter.
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