Common names: "Aphids" or" Green Fly"
Latin name: Aphis sp, Myzus sp, Toxoptera sp
Size: Less
than 1/8"
Colors: All colors of the rainbow. Life cycle: < than 30 days.
Mouth parts: Sucking
Transportation: Aphids can be transported indoors by
people and pets. Aphids can walk or fly to the new host.
Pictured:
Green Aphids
General
Houseplant Pest information: Aphids come in nearly every color of the
rainbow. In the image above there are actually two colors (types)
of Aphids. You can also see Aphids in all life stages from
immature to adults.
Signs of infection: Aphids can
curl, deform, and or cause spotting on new leaves. You will usually find
the Aphids on the upper parts of a houseplant on either the top or
undersides of leaves or stems.
In large numbers Aphids will produce a sticky
"Honey Dew" on the foliage, which in a humid
environment can then grow a black sooty mold.
Ants are attracted to Aphid honey dew.
Control: Aphids can reproduce
quite quickly, but luckily they are relatively easy to control with either
non-chemical or chemical means. Your first line of defense to an
infestation would be physical control. Basically this means to
squish them with your fingers. Then we recommend a follow up spray
with Safer's Ultrafine Oil Spray available from our sponsors. Continue this process weekly
until you have eliminated Aphids from your houseplants.
Applying systemic granules
to the soil will also help in controlling aphids.
For other chemical controls of houseplant pests and bugs call or visit one of our
sponsors, or order this excellent indoor/outdoor pest and disease reference book
for eco-friendly solutions.
for eco-friendly solutions.
