Summer is here, and that means it’s time for aphids. These small, sap-sucking insects can be a nuisance, but they’re not usually harmful to trees. We’ve been maintaining trees here in the valley for 13 years, and this is one of the worst years we’ve seen for high populations of aphids.
There are a few reasons for this. First, we didn’t have a very cold winter last year, so many aphids survived to overwinter. Second, the wet winter and spring weather created ideal conditions for aphids to reproduce.
The most common trees that are affected by aphids are Aspen, Ash, Pine, Peach, Cherry, and Catalpa. The three main species of aphids that we’re seeing this year are wooly aphids, green peach aphids, and black pine aphids. Aphids don’t kill trees, but they can stress them out. They also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and other pests.
If you see aphids on your trees, don’t panic. We can help you get rid of them. We use a safe and effective pest management program that doesn’t require any spraying. Aphids are pretty easy to control with one application for the entire year.
In the meantime, be sure to water your trees regularly, especially during hot weather. This will help to keep them healthy and resistant to pests. If you have any questions about aphids or our pest management program, please don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re here to help. With a little care, you can keep your trees healthy and aphid-free all summer long.