Aphid Identification

What are aphids?

Aphids are common garden pests. These tiny insects have soft, pear-shaped bodies and range in color from black, red, and brown to green or yellow. This coloring varies with species and diet. Aphids live and feed together in large groups, using their specialized piercing mouthparts to feed on a plant's fluids. 

Are aphids dangerous?

Aphids are garden pests and pose no threat to people. However, as aphids feed, they can transmit diseases from plant to plant through their saliva. Feeding aphids can also cause plants to look “yellowed” and unhealthy.

The most significant problem aphids pose is the honeydew that they produce. Honeydew is a sticky substance that aphids leave behind on the plants as they feed. This honeydew attracts a variety of other insects that can cause plant damage. It also allows for a sooty, black, moldy fungus to grow on the plants.

Why do I have an aphid problem?

Aphids will exploit any chance they get to feed. They live successfully on any property that offers them suitable food sources. Properties with vegetable gardens, flowering plants, fruit trees, and other plants will attract feeding and breeding aphids and we can help you rid your home of these pests.

Some common signs of an aphid problem include:

• Plant leaves turning yellow and curling
• Plants covered in a black sticky substance
• The delayed production of fruits and flowers

Where will I find aphids?

Aphids live outside in garden areas in our California service area, feeding in groups on the underside of leaves. Sometimes aphids also find their way inside potted plants.