BirdCast: Garden Pests: Aphids

Pest: Aphids (Family Aphididae).

Discussion: A diverse group, aphids are small (the largest are 1/8" in size, and most are much smaller than that), oval shaped insects with two tubes projecting from their abdomen. There are pink, gray, white, green and black varieties of aphids. Most have long antennas and some adult stages have wings. Aphids are relatively common insects on plants, although populations are usually small. If populations do explode, aphids can lead to cosmetic damage to leaves and fruits. In extreme cases they can effect the entire plant.

Check for them under leaves and on plant stems. Remember, a few aphids will not cause problems, it's only when aphid populations explode that you can run in to trouble. You may also want to keep an eye out for ants on your plants. Ants will often "herd" and protect aphids in order to feed on the partially digested nectar they secrete from the tubes on their abdomen (called honeydew). Ants may even carry aphids to new "pasture" on other leaves or plants.

Pesticides Commonly Applied: Acephate (Orthene), Diazinon, Malathion and others.

Alternative Pesticides: Neem, pyrethrin, insecticidal soap or superior oils. To varying degrees, these substances may kill friendly predatory insects as well as your target pest.

BiologicalCultural Control Methods: Lady beetles, lacewings, flower flies and parasitic wasps (whose parasitic larvae leave brown aphid "mummies" behind once they've hatched). Plant nectar producing species in your garden (such as dill and carrots) to attract natural insect predators. You can also purchase and release insect predators such as lady beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps suited for your location. Also try to keep any protective ants in check by blocking their access to the tree or plant.

Bird Facts: Acephate is often taken up by plants and incorporated in their tissues. Birds feeding on berries containing toxic levels of this pesticide are at risk of being poisoned. Black-capped. Chickadees eat aphid eggs during the winter months, so encourage them to visit your garden throughout the year.