Aphids (Aphis gossypii)

Symptoms

• Occur in large numbers as colonies associated with ants.
• Adults and nymphs suck plant sap.
• Causes distorted leaves, buds, branch tips, and flowers.
• Severely infested leaves and flowers may drop.
• Excrete sweet, sticky honeydew onto the leaves below, allows a sooty mold to grow, blocks light from leaves.

Management

• Wash off plants with a strong stream of water and reduce pest numbers.
• Lure ants away from the scene.