How To Spot Aphid Infestations In Large Trees
Aphids seem to find their way into any plant they want to. These tiny soft-bodied insects suck the sap out of the leaves of plants and deny them of nutrients. They hugely affect the flowering and fruiting of a plant. Aphids are tiny and almost invisible with naked eyes. They multiply very fast and can quickly harm your tree if you do not spot them early enough and put them under control. However, they move very slowly, making it easy for you to remove them by plucking the infected parts.
Here is how you can spot aphid infestations in large trees.
Spotting aphids
Aphids exist in different species with different colors. Some standard colors include white, brown, black, gray, yellow, pink, and light green.
You may find some with waxy and wooly coating, and pear-shaped bodies and long antennae that go above their bodies.
Most aphid species have two cornices from their hind parts.
The adult aphids are wingless and may develop wings when they multiply and get crowded.
They usually feed as colonies. On rare occasions, you may identify them feeding in small groups.
Spotting Aphids on trees by their effects
Since aphids may be invisible to the naked eyes, you can still identify them by monitoring some parts of the tree they attack. If you notice these damages on your tree, your tree may have been affected by aphids.
● Leaves: Curling, stunted, and yellow leaves are an indication that your tree has been infested with aphids. Check the underside of the leaves and find out whether these tiny insects are hiding there.
● “Honeydew”: If the leaves or stems of your tree are covered with honeydew, a sticky substance that is produced by aphids as waste, then your tree may have been attacked by aphids. The honeydew also drops on cars and outdoor furniture from trees. Again, this sugary liquid promotes fungal growth that causes branches and leaves to look black.
● Flowers and fruits: When aphids feed on flowers and fruits on your tree, you can notice these parts getting distorted and deformed.
It is always important to act quickly when you spot aphids on your tree. The late response may result in other nearby trees getting infested with the insects and damage them. Aphids also attract other insects such as ladybugs and ants, which are too dangerous to your tree’s health.
Getting Rid of aphids
● Spray cold water on the leaves of the affected tree to dislodge them. Even if they fall down the tree, they rarely find their way back on the tree.
● If a large part of the tree has been infested, consider them with flour. Flour constipates them. You can also apply neem oil, insecticidal soaps, or horticultural oils. Be sure to check the instructions and proper application methods.
● Consider getting professional arborist services. At Imperial Tree Removal Service, we have professional arborists concerned with your tree’s health. We can help you with tree treatment and get rid of pests and insects affecting them.
We also offer professional tree services in Daly City, San Mateo, and San Francisco. Call us at (650) 200-4153 today for your tree care needs.
