Sign-in to Account
Call Us

(855) 948-5816

aptive-registered-logo-white

Find Service Area

What do aphids eat?

Written by Aptive Environmental April 12, 2024

Aphids are the tiny green insects that you might not even notice are crawling in your garden until you look closely. These fascinating bugs can number in the thousands, but what exactly are they doing all over your plants? They’re eating. Aphids eat the sap by sucking it from plant leaves, stems and roots. This is why they congregate so densely on trees, flowers and other plants.

Some aphid species are attracted to specific plants. Aphids are particularly drawn to young plants and budding flowers. These herbivores don’t typically damage the host plant by feeding on its sap, but large numbers of aphids can weaken some species.

Plant sap is mostly sugar and water and is low in protein, so aphids have to consume a large amount of it to meet their protein requirements. But their bodies don’t need all of that sugar, so they get rid of it as a substance called “honeydew.” If you’ve seen droplets of sticky liquid on the plants in your garden, you’ve probably seen honeydew.

Aphids Can Damage Garden Plants

You might find honeydew on the leaves of your garden plants if enough aphids are present. The honeydew residue is not inherently damaging but it can cause problems for some infested plants. Sooty mold, a fungus, thrives on sugary substances, so it can grow quickly on the honeydew and cover leaves and branches.

Although sooty mold itself doesn’t damage the plant, a large amount of it can block sunlight and reduce the plant’s ability to photosynthesize. In the worst cases, gardeners might see slowed growth, but the main effect of sooty mold is a less visually appealing plant. Honeydew that drips from trees onto cars can cause other problems. Like tree sap, this gooey substance is difficult to remove from car windshields and paint.

Aphids can also spread diseases more quickly among plants. When an aphid feeds on an infected plant, it becomes a carrier of the disease. Then, it infects the next plant it feeds on. Since aphids reproduce quickly, the spread of disease can be hard to stop.

Aphid Appearance and Behavior

Aphids are so tiny and numerous that, if you’re not paying close attention, you might think they were just parts of the plant. They’re soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects whose green color matches closely with that of many plant leaves and stems.

Aphids won’t bite humans; they’re harmless pests in small numbers but can reproduce and spread quickly. Because they produce honeydew, they also attract other pests. For example, ants have a symbiotic relationship with aphids, often following the tiny insects to eat the honeydew. Meanwhile, the ants protect aphids from predators.

Aphids have a number of natural enemies. Ladybugs, lacewings and other beneficial insects eat aphids. Other predators of aphids include parasitic wasps, which lay their eggs inside aphids, “mummifying” them. Natural predators aren’t very effective at preventing aphids because they don’t usually arrive until the aphid population is relatively large.

Some aphid offspring have wings and can fly to new host plants. Young aphids can mature and reproduce in as little as one week. These rapid life cycles allow aphids to spread (and spread diseases) quickly among plants.

Dealing With Specific Aphid Issues on Plants

Focusing on common issues, aphids on vegetable plants like lettuce, squash, green beans, and especially on collard greens can undermine your hard work in the garden. It’s vital to understand how to get rid of aphids on vegetables effectively to maintain healthy, robust plants. Whether you’re dealing with woolly aphids, black aphids, or the white variants, each type can be particularly troublesome and requires specific garden aphids control techniques. While these pests are not harmful to humans or dogs, they can be detrimental to the health of plants. Implementing strategies such as natural predators or eco-friendly pesticides can help manage and eliminate these invasive pests from your cherished garden.

How to Get Rid of Aphids

If your garden, flowers or other plants around your home are experiencing an aphid infestation, it’s time to call the professionals. Aptive Environmental uses effective pest control services for homes of every size, shape and location. We use effective, professional techniques to control aphid infestations quickly and keep your property protected from aphids and other pests all year.

Curated articles for you, from our pest experts.

Close-Up Of A Black Ant On A Green Leaf With Water Droplets.

Pest Control: The Lifecycle of Pests

Pests are a nuisance to homeowners, and can cause a lot of damage to property, as well as health risks to humans and pets. To effectively control pests, it is important to understand their lifecycle and behavior. In this article, we will explore the lifecycle of...

Feb 17, 2023
Aptive Employee Standing In The Front Yard Talking To A Customer.

Best Time for Pest Control Services: When to Act

When it comes to pest control services, timing is everything. Imagine this: it's a beautiful summer evening, the grill is fired up, and friends are coming for a backyard barbecue. But as you open the back door, you're greeted by an unwelcome surprise—a parade of...

Sep 17, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Interior Showcasing A Sleek Black Sink With A Matte Black Faucet. The Kitchen Features A Wooden Countertop With Various Appliances Like A Microwave And Coffee Maker, And Is Decorated With Multiple Indoor Plants And A Small Fruit Bowl, Adding A Touch Of Nature And Color To The Space. Natural Light Streams In Through A Window, Illuminating The Area.

Tips for Preventing Pests in Your Home’s Plumbing System

Hearing strange scratching sounds coming from your walls can be unsettling. It might be mice, but it could also be sneaky pests living inside your plumbing system. While the idea might be alarming, these tips for plumbing pest prevention can help reduce the risk of...

Sep 16, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Six-Eyed Crab Spider (Family Thomisidae) With A Reddish-Orange Body, Capturing An Ant On A Green Leaf. The Spider'S Detailed Texture And The Fine Hairs On Its Legs Are Clearly Visible.

What is an Arachnid?

What do spiders, scorpions, and mites have in common? They belong to a larger group of animals called arachnids. While you've most likely seen a spider or two around your home, these fascinating creatures are incredibly diverse. Let's investigate what makes them...

Aug 30, 2024
A Modern Two-Story Suburban Home With Gray Siding And A Dark Roof, Illuminated By Warm Interior Lights During Sunset. The House Features A Large Three-Car Garage, Well-Manicured Lawn, And A Driveway With Reflections From Recent Rain. The Sky Is Tinged With Soft Hues Of Pink And Purple As The Day Transitions Into Evening.

Pest Control Tips for Your Garage: Keeping Rodents and Insects Out

The garage is a space designed for tools and vehicles, but it can also attract unwanted pests. These intruders can cause damage by chewing wires, nesting in stored items, and leaving unsanitary droppings behind. Garage pest control doesn't have to be a constant...

Aug 28, 2024
A Modern Kitchen With White Cabinets, A Gray Backsplash, And Stainless Steel Appliances. The Kitchen Features A Gas Stovetop With A Shiny Pot And A Bowl Of Lemons On The Marble Countertop. Brightly Colored Orange Cookware And Various Fresh Ingredients, Including Bread, Herbs, And Flowers, Add Vibrant Accents To The Space.

The Five Most Common Kitchen Pests: Identification and Prevention

Keeping your kitchen clear of pests is essential for maintaining a clean and healthy home. Kitchen pests can be more than just a nuisance; they can also contaminate your food and spread diseases. In this article, we'll cover the five most common pests, kitchen...

Aug 23, 2024
A Modern Kitchen Featuring White Cabinets, A Large Stainless Steel Refrigerator, A Marble Countertop Island With A Sink, And A Professional-Grade Stove With Red Knobs.

How to Prevent Bugs from Nesting in Your Gutters

You might not think about your gutters often, but pests certainly do. In fact, your gutters could be the perfect haven for various bugs. Without proper gutter bug prevention, these tiny invaders can cause significant damage to your home. Let's investigate why they...

Aug 1, 2024
An Elderly Man Wearing A Light Blue Shirt And Beige Pants Is Watering A Large Green Potted Plant In A Brightly Lit Hallway With Wooden Walls And Frosted Glass Windows.

Seasonal Pest Control: Preparing Your Home for Each Season

For many homeowners, the fight against unwanted pests feels like a constant battle. But did you know that adapting your strategies to the changing seasons can significantly improve your chances of winning this war? Enter: seasonal pest control.  Throughout the...

Jul 23, 2024
A Close-Up Image Of A Brown Mouse Perched On A Weathered Wooden Fence, With A Blurred Natural Background And Some Green Leaves Visible.

The Importance of Regular Pest Inspections for Home Maintenance

Owning a home is a source of pride, but it also comes with the responsibility of ongoing maintenance. While tasks like fixing a leaky faucet might come to mind, don't overlook the crucial role of regular pest inspections offered by professional pest control...

Jul 23, 2024

Take back your home with pest control today.