Aphids in Florida

Florida Aphid Facts

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that can vary in color from green to yellow to brown to red to black, depending on the species.

But don’t let their size fool you. These bugs can be brutal on your landscape. Aphids pierce plant stems, leaves and other parts to suck out the vital fluids. This can cause yellowing, a curling of the leaves, and stunting of plant shoots. Aphids also produce a sticky substance known as “honeydew” which often turns black with the growth of a fungus called “sooty mold fungus”. This can cause further damage by preventing sunlight from reaching plant cells. There are a number of ways to fight back against aphids. If the problem is not severe you may be able to blast them off plants with a heavy stream of water. Natural predators such as beetles can help control aphids, as well. Of course, if the problem is a big one your best bet is to call a Florida bug and pest control expert.