Aphid
Macrosiphum euphorbiae (and many other species)
moderate risk
insect
Overview
Soft-bodied sap-sucking insects that are among the most damaging pests of garden and agricultural crops globally.
Tiny, 1-4mm, soft-bodied. Various colors: green, black, yellow, pink, gray. Pear-shaped. Two cornicles (tubes) on abdomen.
Prevention Strategies
- •Encourage natural enemies (ladybugs, lacewings, parasitic wasps)
- •Strong water spray regularly
- •Avoid excessive nitrogen fertilization
- •Yellow sticky traps for monitoring
Control Methods
- •Strong water spray to dislodge
- •Insecticidal soap spray
- •Neem oil
- •Pyrethrin spray
- •Encourage natural predators - most effective long-term solution
Interesting Facts
- •A single aphid can reproduce into millions within weeks
- •Some ants 'farm' aphids, protecting them and harvesting honeydew like livestock
- •Can reproduce without males - all summer females give birth to females without mating
- •Despite tiny size, aphids collectively have one of the most damaging impacts on world agriculture