Aphid (Aphidoidea)

Aphids are small, herbivorous insects. There are green, white, black, yellow, red and purple aphids. A special category are the scale insects.

Also known as:
Greenfly
Blackfly
Plant lice

recognize aphids
Aphids, photo: Luc Viatour - CC BY-SA 3.0

Aphid (Aphidoidea). Small, herbivorous insects up to a maximum of 5 mm. Damage mainly the young leaves.
The damage caused by aphids consists in weakening the plant: the juices necessary for growth are sucked out by the aphids. This causes deformations of the blade (humps, curls).
The plant sap contains more sugars than the aphids can absorb; the excess is secreted in the form of honeydew. Ants, bees and wasps love it. On honeydew develops a fungus: sooty mold. Aphids also transmit plant viruses.

Where to find

Aphids can occur on virtually all green parts of plants, shrubs and trees. These plants are especially susceptible to it:

  • Broad bean – black bean aphid (Aphis fabae)
  • Lettuce
  • Sprouts
  • Rose
  • Leafy vegetables
  • Mock orange (Philadelphus)

Control

Control with pyrethrum, soap spirit, soap suds, rhubarb solution or nettle solution.
Rapeseed oil is also an effective pesticide; however, it is not selective, so it also kills beneficial insects (bee, bumblebee, ladybird).
Control aphids with the larvae of ladybird (Adalia).

Scale insects are not easily removed.

Prevention

Natural enemies include: birds, ladybird, earwigs, parasitic wasps and lacewings. Nasturtium (trap crop) captures aphids away. Aromatic herbs such as lemon grass, lavender and marigolds have a strong smell and keep aphids at bay.

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