If you thought the only threat to your garden was the sometimes-oppressive demands of your Homeowners Associations, think again. Meet white aphids: the tiny monsters who won’t hesitate to turn your greens into their personal buffet.
Don’t let those pesky plant lice rain on your gardening parade! With a few tricks, you can banish these critters and continue to grow your cherished green babies in that HOA-approved patch of earth.
Need an exterminator? Look no further than Ozane Pest Control. Our skilled professionals provide top-notch pest management solutions to address all your pest control needs.
Keep scrolling, fellow gardeners. We’ve got everything you need to know about what white aphids are, where they come from, and how to get rid of them.
Dangers of White Aphids
Aphids aren’t a threat to humans, but they can damage your crops. They feed on plants by sucking their sap, which causes distorted growth in leaves and flowers. Besides wreaking havoc on your garden’s appearance, these pests also spread plant viruses.
If you notice white aphids on your plants, you shouldn’t wait to take action. They can spread quickly and devastate your garden in no time.
Identifying White Aphids
The most obvious sign of a white aphid infestation is the presence of tiny, pear-shaped insects.
These pests are about 1/8 inch long and have two cornicles (small horns) on their back. Some white aphids also have wings.
Signs of an Aphid Infestation
You can identify an aphid infestation by looking for white, soft-bodied insects underneath plant leaves. If you don’t see any, but your plants are yellowing and covered in mold, an aphid infestation is likely nearby.
Aphids can also be identified by their leftover exoskeletons. They look like tiny white tubes that have been shed by the pests themselves.
You might also find honeydew on top of your leaves. This sticky substance is excreted by sap-sucking pests when they feed on trees.
How to Get Rid of White Aphids
The most important step is to keep the affected plants in place. Removing them from the garden will only spread the aphid infestation to other plants.
With that in mind, here are some steps you can take to get rid of aphids.
Soapy Water
This method is effective, but it requires you to be vigilant in your application. Plants covered in soap risk wilting. It’s not wise to use this method on plants under stress, such as those that have just been moved or transplanted.
As long as the plant is generally healthy, you can apply a mixture of dish soap and water to the leaves and stems. Soapy water kills aphids by damaging their waxy coating. This causes them to dehydrate and die.
If you have an infestation on your hands, spray once a week or every few days until the problem is resolved.
Insecticides
Insecticidal soaps and oils should be applied every few weeks during the growing season. Thorough coverage is required to control this pest effectively, so be sure to spray both sides of the leaves and stems. Apply a little extra to any other area where white aphids may be hiding out (such as under buds).
Be mindful that some insecticides can kill beneficial insects, like ladybugs or lacewings. They’re also harmful to humans.
If you decide to use an insecticide, make sure it doesn’t contain atrazine or paraquat. These ingredients are especially dangerous.
Professional Lawn Pest Control
If you’re dealing with white aphids on your lawn, you’ll want to find a pest control company that specializes in them. Look for companies with products that won’t harm any other plants nearby. Natural insect repellents are best for the environment and your lawn.
Introducing Natural Predators
You can use natural predators to control pests in your garden. Ladybugs are the most popular, but lacewings and praying mantises work just as well. These insects will feed on white aphids and keep them under control without any help from you.
Helpful insects are available by mail order or at gardening centers. You can also buy eggs online. Release these beneficial bugs at night so they have plenty of time to prepare for the aphid’s active phase in the morning.
Preventing White Aphids in Your Garden
Water your lawn often. It’s an easy way to wash little critters off of plant leaves. Just be careful not to drown your plants.
Also, make sure there aren’t any weeds growing near them. These can serve as hosts for white aphids as well.
If you have nitrogenous fertilizer in the soil (which is common), consider cutting back on its use. Aphids prefer nitrogen-rich plants, so avoiding these fertilizers is one way to deter them.
You can also try using insect nets. These consist of a fine mesh that keeps pests from reaching the plant. They’re especially useful for roses or peonies, which have delicate leaves and stems that are susceptible to aphids.
Placing traps around your garden is also a good idea. Sticky floor pads will help catch any stragglers before they cause too much damage. Hanging traps are also available to catch aphids during their jump.
Sprays containing essential oils help with aphid prevention as well. Choose a product that contains neem oil or peppermint to discourage new insects and kill existing aphid eggs.
Rescue Your Precious Plants
White aphids are a common problem for home gardeners and commercial growers. They reproduce so quickly that they’re difficult to control. Luckily, insecticides, soapy water, and professional lawn care services are available to help keep white aphids from ruining your garden.
That doesn’t mean dealing with aphids is any less stressful. In fact, it can be quite the opposite. But if you’re determined to save your garden while maintaining a positive attitude, read our health section for inspiration on new ways to reduce stress.
