Bug Me Not

They’re called plant lice for a reason. Although aphids are fragile insects, they are not harmless, and can
damage your trees and landscape plants. Follow our advice to help your most valuable natural assets survive the summer months.

SIGNS OF ATTACK

Aphids comprise several species; some are orange, green, red or black while others are woolly, spotted or bull-legged. Regardless of their hue and label, they are hungry! They feed off deciduous trees’ leaves and evergreens and cluster in large colonies to attack new growth.

As with any tree and landscape pest, monitoring is critical. Here are a few signs, but contact your local, licensed Davey tree service representative if you need help:

• Leaf curling
• Distortion
• Twig dieback
• Stunting
• Honeydew
• Sooty mold fungi

PUT THE PESTS TO REST

Let’s go back to eighth grade science class for a minute—here’s why aphids are an issue. The sooty mold fungi collect on the surfaces where honeydew exists, blocking sunlight and reducing photosynthesis. Horticultural soap treatments and oil applications or related control products can prevent aphids’ honeydew from occurring and remove sooty mold. Remember to frequently inspect your plants for aphids to prevent plant injury.

Visit www.davey.com/bugs for more information, or contact your local, licensed Davey tree service representative.