What Are Aphids?
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. While individually small, they reproduce at an alarming rate—a single aphid can create an infestation of thousands within weeks.
In Texas gardens and landscapes, aphids attack roses, crepe myrtles, vegetables, fruit trees, and ornamental plants. They weaken plants by draining nutrients and transmit plant viruses that can kill or severely damage valuable landscaping.
Aphids also produce honeydew—a sticky, sugary substance that coats plants, attracts ants, and leads to sooty mold growth. Left untreated, a heavy aphid infestation can ruin a garden in a single season.
Common Aphid Types in Texas
1. Green Peach Aphid
Light green, pear-shaped. Attacks vegetables, fruit trees, ornamentals. Major virus transmitter. Reproduces rapidly in spring and fall. Most common vegetable garden aphid.
2. Oleander Aphid
Bright yellow with black legs. Clusters on milkweed and oleander. Brightly colored due to toxic plant compounds. Less affected by predators because of toxicity.
3. Black Bean Aphid
Black or dark blue-green. Attacks beans, ornamental plants, crepe myrtles. Heavy honeydew producer. Forms dense colonies on stems and undersides of leaves.
4. Rose Aphid
Green to pink. Specific to roses and related plants. Damages new growth, buds, and flowers. Causes distorted, curled leaves and stunted growth.
Identification Guide
Size
1-3mm (about the size of a pinhead)
Color
Green, yellow, black, pink, or white depending on species
Shape
Pear-shaped body, long antennae, two cornicles (tail pipes) on rear
Behavioral Signs
- Cluster on new growth, buds, and undersides of leaves
- Mostly wingless, but winged forms appear when overcrowded
- Often tended by ants that "farm" them for honeydew
- Reproduce without mating—populations explode rapidly
Signs of Aphid Infestation
Visual Indicators:
- Clusters of tiny insects on stems and leaf undersides
- Sticky honeydew coating on leaves and surfaces below plants
- Black sooty mold growing on honeydew deposits
- Ants farming aphids, moving up and down plant stems
- Distorted, curled, or yellowing new growth
- Cast white skins from molting aphids
Plant Damage Signs:
- Stunted or deformed new growth
- Wilting despite adequate watering
- Premature leaf drop
- Buds that fail to open or are deformed
- Reduced fruit or flower production
Aphid Damage to Plants
Direct Feeding Damage
- Drain plant sap, weakening overall plant health
- Cause leaf curling, yellowing, and distortion
- Stunt growth of shoots, leaves, and fruits
- Reduce yields in vegetable gardens and fruit trees
- Kill young plants and seedlings in heavy infestations
Indirect Damage
- Transmit over 100 plant viruses including mosaic viruses
- Honeydew attracts ants, wasps, and other pests
- Sooty mold blocks sunlight reducing photosynthesis
- Sticky honeydew ruins appearance of ornamental plants
- Honeydew drips on cars, patio furniture, walkways
Economic Impact
- Destroy vegetable crops reducing food production
- Damage valuable landscape plants like roses and crepe myrtles
- Virus transmission can require removing and replacing plants
- Reduce property curb appeal with damaged landscaping
Prevention Strategies
Cultural Controls
- Choose resistant plant varieties when possible
- Plant aphid-attracting plants away from vegetables
- Avoid excess nitrogen fertilizer which promotes tender new growth
- Space plants properly for good air circulation
- Remove weeds that can harbor aphids
Encourage Beneficial Insects
- Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps eat aphids
- Plant flowers that attract beneficial insects (yarrow, dill, fennel)
- Avoid broad-spectrum insecticides that kill beneficials
- Provide water sources for beneficial insects
Early Detection
- Inspect plants weekly, especially new growth
- Check undersides of leaves where aphids hide
- Monitor for ants climbing plants—they indicate aphids
- Address small populations before they explode
Professional Aphid Treatment
Effective aphid control protects your landscape investment while preserving beneficial insects and pollinators.
Our Treatment Protocol
Thorough Plant Inspection
Identify affected plants, aphid species, and infestation severity. Check for beneficial insects present
Targeted Insecticide Applications
Selective products that kill aphids while minimizing impact on beneficials. Spray undersides of leaves where aphids feed
Systemic Treatments (when appropriate)
Soil drenches or trunk injections for valuable trees and shrubs. Provides season-long protection
Insecticidal Soap or Horticultural Oil
Low-toxicity options for vegetables and sensitive plants. Multiple applications may be needed
Ant Control
Eliminate ants protecting aphid colonies. Use bait stations to reduce ant populations
Follow-Up Monitoring
Re-inspect to ensure control. Additional treatments if needed before populations rebuild
Treatment Cost Expectations
Common Questions
Q: Can I just spray them with water?
Water spray knocks aphids off plants but doesn't kill them. They'll climb back up or fly to nearby plants. Water spray is a temporary measure, not a solution for established infestations.
Q: Why are ants always with aphids?
Ants "farm" aphids for honeydew. They protect aphids from predators and even move them to new plants. Controlling ants is often necessary for effective aphid control.
Q: Will aphids kill my plants?
Heavy infestations can kill seedlings and young plants. Mature plants usually survive but suffer reduced growth, yield, and appearance. Virus transmission can cause permanent damage.
Q: Are treatments safe for vegetable gardens?
Yes. We use products approved for edible plants with appropriate harvest intervals. Insecticidal soap and horticultural oils can often be used right up to harvest.
Protect Your Garden & Landscape
Don't let aphids ruin your plants.
Let us restore your garden's health.