Aphids

Recognize the signs

Body

Soft, often pear-shaped insects with paired rear tubes called cornicles. Colour varies; some adults have wings.

Plant evidence

Colonies, shed skins and sticky honeydew support an aphid finding. Curling alone does not.

Natural control

Swollen tan or brown aphid mummies can contain parasitoids. Ladybird larvae among a colony may be eating it.

Differences that change the decision

A similar-looking organism can need a different response. Compare the evidence and what it changes.

Compare every column. On a narrow screen, scroll the table sideways.

What else could it be?

Mealybugs

Segmented, wax-covered insects commonly shelter in leaf joints; wax alone cannot distinguish them.

Compare scale & mealybugs ↗

Water, root or herbicide stress

Distortion without aphids needs a plant-health investigation.

Compare plant disease & stress ↗

Inspect the right places

1. Compare new growth

   Turn over several affected and unaffected leaves. Record live colonies, ants, predators and whether new leaves are continuing to distort.

2. Inspect the plant's context

   Identify the host, recent fertiliser use and water conditions. A crowded seedling and a vigorous mature shrub need different thresholds.

Choose a proportionate response

For pesticides, the local product label determines the allowed pest, site, precautions and timing. Check safety and regional guidance.

1. Choose tolerance where growth is sound

   A few colonies do not demand treatment. Leave parasitoids and predators; avoid spraying the whole plant for cosmetic damage.

2. Reduce a reachable colony

   Dislodge aphids with water on a plant sturdy enough to tolerate it, or remove a small, heavily infested shoot without stripping the plant.

3. Address ant protection

   If ants tend the colony, identify their route and use local ant-management guidance. If pesticide treatment is warranted, use a locally permitted product labelled for this plant and site, including edible-crop restrictions.

Avoid these mistakes

• Do not treat old leaf curls as proof that live aphids remain.
• Do not assume a broad insecticide prevents aphid-transmitted viruses; transmission can occur before aphids die.
• Avoid excess nitrogen that promotes susceptible soft growth.

Check whether it is working

Prevent a return

• Inspect new plants and especially their growing tips.
• Use plant-appropriate irrigation and fertilisation; retain flowers that support beneficial insects.

Common questions