Aphids are some of the most annoying pests in the garden. They grab onto your plants and suck em dry. And once they’re established in your garden, you’re gonna have a hard time truly getting rid of them. That’s why today we’re gonna talk about the central Florida aphids. And, hopefully, give you some tips that will help you protect your garden in the future.

Central Florida Aphids: Identification

Aphids are creatures that find their way into seemingly every garden in the state. They are small insects with soft bodies. They eat by sucking the nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. And, in large numbers, they can really do a lot of damage to those plants. They weaken them significantly, and harm the flowers and fruit. Aphids multiply quickly, so it’s important to get them under control before reproduction starts. Many generations can occur in one season. The good news is that aphids tend to move rather slowly and, with diligent care, can be controlled.

Aphids are tiny insects, with adults being under a quarter of an inch long. Most often, these bugs are nearly invisible to the naked eye. The different species can appear white, black, brown, gray, yellow, light green, or even pink! Some may have a waxy or woolly coating. They have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae; the nymphs (young aphids) look similar to the adults. Most species have two short tubes (called cornicles) projecting from their hind end.

Adults usually don’t have wings, but most of them can develop a winged form when the area they’re in becomes too crowded. So when food runs out, they just grow wings and fly to other plants to reproduce and start a new colony. So it’s easy to see how the numbers of this pest can balloon wildly out of control.  Aphids feed in large groups, though you can occasionally find them in small numbers. These pests like a wide variety of plants, so it’s not a surprise to find them on most garden plants. Central Florida aphids are just voracious.

Signs of Aphid damage

Nymphs and adult aphids both feed on plant juices. They attack leaves, stems, buds, flowers, fruit, and even down to the roots. Depending on the species, the entire plant is at risk. Most aphids prefer succulent new growth though. Some, such as the green peach aphid, can feed on a wide range of plants. Others, like the rosy apple aphid, are mostly single host insects. There are a few signs to look out for regarding aphid damage, however.

To start with, look for misshapen, curling, stunted, or yellowish leaves. Make sure to check the undersides of these damaged leaves too, since that’s an aphid’s favorite spot to hang out. Also, if the leaves or stems are covered with a sticky substance, look out. That’s a sure sign of aphids pulling the sap out of your plants. Known as honeydew, this sugary liquid is produced by aphids as a waste product. Not only that but it’s known to attach ants who gather it for food. When aphids feed on trees in your yard, they can even cover your deck, outdoor furniture, and cars with the substance.

Honeydew isn’t just gross and sticky and gets everywhere, though. It can also encourage the growth of fungus in your plants. One particularly nasty one is known as sooty mold, which causes the branches and leaves to appear black in color. Also, fruits and flowers can shrink, become distorted, and deform due to avid feeding.  Central Florida aphids can also transmit viruses between plants, and attract other insects that may try to damage your plants as well. Also, look out for aphids and cause galls to form on the roots and leaves.

Central Florida Aphids: Basic protection tips

Now, when it comes to pests an ounce of prevention will always be worth a pound of cure. So let’s touch on some basic steps you can take to prevent aphids from coming into your garden. First, for fruit and shade trees, spray dormant horticultural oil to kill aphid eggs that are overwintering.

Also, consider introducing beneficial insects to your yard. This includes insects that eat aphids. Things like ladybugs, lacewings, and certain species of parasitic wasps. Attract these bugs to your garden by providing a strong natural habitat for them, such as access to water, and a range of flowering and foliage plants. You can even order extra online if you start to run low, and that should help keep your aphid population in check.

Also, companion planting is a good key to keeping aphids out of your garden in the first place. Or, if you want to, you can plant things they really like farther away to try and attract them away from your main garden until you find a more permeant solution. For example, central Florida aphids are repelled by catnip. But, look out for feral cats if you go that route! Garlic and chives also repel aphids, so plant them near your rose bushes and other vulnerable plants.

removing aphids from afflicted plants

One thing you can try to do to save a plant is to spray it with a strong stream of water. Sometimes, that’s all aphids need- a blast of cold water from your hose to dislodge them. When dislodged, aphids usually can’t find their way back to the same host plant. Neem oil and soaps work as well.

In fact, you can make your own at home spray to deal with these pests. Create your own homemade insecticidal soap, but be sure not to hit any beneficial insects like bees or pollinators when you use it on the plant. This solution will melt the soft bodies of the aphids and keep them from further harming your plant. Make it by simply mixing a few teaspoons of dish soap, any home brand works, with about a quart of water. Then make sure to spray or wipe the solution onto the entire plant, being careful not to knock off any flowers.  If you ever find yourself with a more intense pest infestation, however, look into contacting a professional pest control company.