An aphid is a small insect, only about 1/8 inch long, that is often referred to as a greenfly or blackfly. It is a common pest that feeds on the nutrient-rich sap from leaves and flowers.
Though it may seem as if a bug so small could be harmless, in large numbers, they are able to weaken and significantly harm your plants, flowers, and even trees.
What are the signs?
It may be difficult to spot an aphid infestation from far away, but there are many signs that you can look for in order to spot an infestation in a large tree.
- Leaves that are sticky. When these bugs suck the sap from leaves, they often leave behind a sticky residue that can be
- Yellowing leaves. This is one of the most noticeable signs of an aphid infestation. Luckily, it can be spotted from afar. These bugs suck the important nutrients from the leaves. This causes them to become yellow and wilt early. This both stunts the growth of the tree, but also can cause the tree to grow weak.
- Leaves that become curled. When the insects feed on the sap from the tree, the leaves will start to curl as they lose their nutrients. Because of this, the leaves lose their ability to absorb sunlight. This causes them to lose the energy needed to grow and many valuable nutrients.
- The growth of black fungi. The presence of black fungi on a tree’s leaves is another sign of an infestation. Sap sitting on the leaves promotes the growth of black fungi, which could cause the wood to weaken.
- Sap at the base of the tree. If the base of your tree begins to collect sap, you may want to check for these bugs. As they feed on the sap from the leaves, it is inevitable that they will
- The growth of galls. These are unnatural growths that can grow on the leaves, twigs, or roots of a tree. The cause of them is the irritation due to the feeding by aphids.
- Clusters of bugs. If you see clusters of yellow, black, or green spots on your leaves, these could be clusters of aphids feeding on the sap from your tree.
What should I do?
Aphid infestations can develop quickly and spread from one plant to another just as fast. So, while you may start with just one infestation on a plant, it can soon spread to a much larger problem that causes your trees to lose the nutrients they need to stay alive, putting you and your family at risk.
This is the reason it is important that you seek professional help if you suspect that your tree might have an aphid infestation. In the case that you begin to spot these signs on your trees, J.C. Tree Care is ready to help guide you and ensure that your trees remain healthy, keeping you and your family safe from the threat of an infestation taking over your trees.
For more information about Aphid infestations or for services combating one, call us today at (504) 636-4182, or contact us online for a free estimate.