Aphids

• Common pest found in gardens, farms, orchards, and greenhouses
• Some species carry plant viruses
• Soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap
• Color can vary depending on species; aphids can be identified by the cornicles at the end of their bodies which are also referred to as “tailpipes”
• Most aphids are viviparous (they have live births) and parthenogenic (they reproduce asexually)
• Damage includes yellowed and puckered plant leaves and sometimes deformed flowers or fruit (if aphids are feeding on flower buds)
• Aphids produce a sugary excrement called honeydew, which is a good medium for producing sooty mold fungus that will blacken leaves
• Early detection is essential for control, as well as reducing and maintaining low numbers of ants – for more information visit our ant control section
• Commonly found species include green peach aphids, cotton/melon aphids, and potato aphids

For biological controls visit our APHID BIOLOGICAL CONTROL page

For more information and photos of aphids visit: www.ca.uky.edu/entomology/entfacts/ef313.asp