Aphids come in various colors, including green, yellow, brown, and red. One of the most distinguishing features of aphids is their long proboscis, which they use to pierce plant tissue and suck out the sap.

Aphids are found all over the world and in almost every climate and can be found on plants and trees in central Ohio. They typically live on the undersides of leaves, where they can feed without being disturbed. Aphids often congregate in large numbers, which can cause extensive damage to plants. In some cases, aphid infestations can even kill plants.

How Aphids Damage Plants

Aphids feed on the sap of plants, which can cause leaves to wilt and turn yellow or brown. Aphids also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can attract other pests and encourage the growth of sooty mold. Sooty mold is a black fungus that covers the leaves of aphid-infested plants and can cause further damage by blocking sunlight and preventing the plant from photosynthesizing. Aphids can also spread diseases to plants, which makes them more susceptible to other pests and diseases.

How to Control Aphids

Aphids can be difficult to control once they have infested a plant. The best way to prevent aphid damage is to keep aphids from getting on your plants in the first place. This can be done by planting aphid-resistant plants and using insecticidal soap or other pesticides as needed. If aphids are already present, you can remove them manually with a cotton swab or a soft brush. You can also use aphid predators, such as ladybugs, to control aphid populations. You can often purchase ladybugs at local nurseries in Columbus Ohio. In some cases, it may be necessary to consult a professional pest control company to get rid of aphids.