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Aphids Guide

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Aphid Identification Guide

What Do Aphids Look Like?

Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. After ingesting the sap, they excrete a sugary substance called "honeydew," which attracts ants and can promote the growth of mold and fungi on plants.

Despite their small size, aphids can cause significant damage to gardens and crops if not controlled. Use this guide to identify aphids in your yard and then read our treatment guide for ways to manage these pests.

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Aphids Characteristics

Size
Aphids are very small, typically growing to about 1/8 inch in length.

Shape
Aphids have soft, pear-shaped bodies. They possess two antennae, two eyes located at the front of their bodies, and long, thin, two-jointed legs. While most aphids are wingless, some aphids born in the fall may have wings.

One key feature that distinguishes aphids from other pests is the presence of cornicles—tubes that protrude from the rear of their bodies. Aphids use these cornicles to excrete honeydew.

Color
Aphids come in a variety of colors, including green, orange, black, pink, brown, or nearly colorless.

Range
Aphids are found throughout the United States.

Continue reading part 2 of our 4-part aphid guide to learn where aphids may be hiding in your garden. Click the right arrow below to learn more.

The Aphid Inspection Guide

Where Are Aphids Found?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap, leaving the plants vulnerable to diseases. These tiny pests reproduce quickly and can cause significant damage to gardens, flowers, and other plants in your yard.

This guide will help you locate aphids around your yard before you begin treatment. Not sure if you have aphids? Understanding what aphids look like will help you identify if the pests you're seeing are aphids or another type of insect.

Where to Look for Aphids

Aphids feed on the sap of plants, and the easiest access to this sap is typically found in the leaves of plants. Aphids are commonly found on the underside of leaves or within curled leaves, so be sure to unfold the leaves and check both sides when inspecting for aphids.

You can find aphids on bushes, shrubs, trees, vegetable leaves, and ornamental plants. They may also infest fruit trees and oak trees.

Make sure to examine the stems, flowers (including inside and under the petals), and the undersides of the leaves when looking for aphids.

Signs of Aphids

Due to their small size, aphids can often go unnoticed until they start causing damage to plants.

You may notice brown spots and holes in leaves, even if no aphids are visible.

Aphids secrete a sticky, sugary substance known as honeydew, which results from the sap they digest. Honeydew appears as small droplets of water on plant leaves, often clear but sometimes light brown. This substance can encourage mold and fungi growth, which is another sign of aphids.

Ants are attracted to honeydew. If you spot ants on your plants, it could indicate the presence of aphids.

The Paper Test
Aphids are so tiny that they can be difficult to spot in your garden. The paper test is a simple way to confirm if aphids are present.

Place a piece of white paper under the leaf of a plant you suspect has aphids. Gently shake the plant. If small pests fall onto the paper, examine them to see if they are aphids.

Do you have aphids in your garden? Learn about the treatment options available in our "How to Get Rid of Aphids" guide. Click the right arrow below to continue reading!

How to Get Rid of Aphids

Aphids are small pests that can rapidly multiply and damage plants, flowers, and gardens. These insects feed on plant sap and excrete a sticky, sugary substance called "honeydew." This weakens plants, making them more susceptible to mold and fungi. Honeydew also attracts ants, which can create additional problems in your garden.

Aphids can be challenging to completely eliminate due to their fast reproduction rate, but with persistence, you can control an infestation. This guide covers various treatment options for aphids. Not sure where aphids are hiding in your garden? Check out our guide on aphid hiding spots to learn more.

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Step1 Use Water for Quick Control

To quickly address an aphid infestation, use a hose or sprayer filled with water to spray your plants. The force of the spray will dislodge the aphids from the plants and wash away honeydew.

Be sure to spray the undersides of leaves, as aphids often hide there.

While spraying water is a temporary solution that can quickly reduce aphids, it will not provide long-term control. Continue with Steps 2-3 for more lasting options.

Step2 Introduce Natural Predators

Several insects and birds feed on aphids.

Ladybugs and lacewings are natural aphid predators that won't harm your plants. Introducing these beneficial insects to your garden will help control the aphid population organically.

Release ladybugs and lacewings in the evening, as they naturally search for food during this time, allowing them to target aphids more effectively.

If you're using insecticides along with natural predators, ensure that the insecticides you choose won’t harm these beneficial insects.

Step3 Apply Insecticide

Spraying plants with an insecticide or insecticidal soap specifically labeled for aphids will help manage the infestation.

Read the label on your chosen product. If mixing is required, follow the recommended ratios using a hand pump sprayer.

Spray the plants directly, paying attention to the leaves (especially the undersides) and the branches.

For edible plants, such as fruits and vegetables, use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. Be sure to check the label for recommended waiting periods before harvesting to ensure the edibles are safe to eat.

For non-edible plants, start with a foliar insecticide designed for aphids, like Bifen IT. Apply a systemic insecticide, such as Dominion 2L, shortly after or simultaneously. The systemic insecticide will provide lasting protection by circulating throughout the plant, while the foliar insecticide works immediately to control aphids. Some systemic insecticides are applied by drenching the soil, while others are sprayed onto the plant—follow the specific instructions on the product label.

Inspect your plants regularly for aphids and their damage, and reapply treatment as necessary. Refer to the label for reapplication guidelines.

Products we recommend for Step 3

Stop aphids from coming back by following our aphid prevention guide. Click the right arrow below to learn more!

The Aphid Prevention Guide

How to Stop Aphids from Invading Your Yard

Aphids are small pests that damage plants by feeding on their sap and leaving behind a sticky residue, which attracts ants, mold, and fungi. The best way to protect your plants is to prevent aphids from entering your yard. While it's impossible to guarantee an aphid-free environment, there are steps you can take to reduce the risk of an infestation, especially if you've had aphids in the past. Read on for more tips.

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Step1 Use a Slow-Release Fertilizer

Aphids are attracted to plants with an abundance of new growth, which is often a result of over-fertilization. Slow-release fertilizers help plants grow at a steady pace, making them less susceptible to aphid infestations.

Step2 Grow Plants Indoors or Undercover

Start seedlings indoors or use plant covers to protect them until they’re well-established. New, weaker plants are more vulnerable to aphids, so keeping them sheltered from the start helps prevent early infestations.

Step3 Use Natural Predators to Combat Aphids

Ladybugs and lacewings are natural aphid predators that won't harm your plants. Introducing these beneficial insects will help keep aphid populations in check by targeting any aphids that may have escaped notice.

Step4 Apply Insecticides

Insecticide applications can help control aphids both in the short-term and long-term.

  • Systemic Insecticides: Use in the spring to prevent aphids from infesting your plants.
  • Topical Sprays: Quick solutions like Talstar P Professional Insecticide provide immediate relief by knocking down aphids and offering protection.
  • Soil Drenches: Ideal for trees and shrubs, soil drenches move from the roots up, offering prolonged protection. Apply after the petals fall from flowering plants to protect pollinators.

Products we recommend for Step 4

Pro Tip

Rotate topical insecticide products every 2 to 3 treatments to prevent aphid resistance. Always check the product label to ensure proper usage, as some products are for outdoor use only, while others are safe for indoor and greenhouse use.

We hope this guide helps! If you're unsure whether you have aphids, our Aphid Identification Guide will help you confirm. Our guide on Where Aphids Hide will guide you on how to check your plants, and our How to Get Rid of Aphids guide covers your treatment options.

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