How to Get Rid of Woolly Aphids on Apple Trees

Aphids are small insects that eat the leaves, stems and shoots of many plants. They have long, thin mouthpieces that they use to pierce leaves and stems and suck the juice of the plant. This practice results in a punctured appearance on leaves. Woolly aphids have long, waxy hairs on their body and tend to infest apple trees. Although aphids do not kill the plants on which they live on their own, they do cause plants to weaken. Gardeners worldwide fight aphid infestations through the use of pesticides, other insects and environmental control.

Difficulty: Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Supply of ladybugs or lacewings
• Water/hose
• Pesticides/home remedies
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Inspect your apple trees carefully, and inspect them often. Walk the orchard several times a week to check for aphids. Pay particular attention to the undersides of leaves. Always check new saplings for aphids and aphid larvae before bringing them into your greenhouse. Signs of aphids include yellow, withered leaves, poor growth and overly shiny leaves.

2. Spray the aphids you find with water from your hose. Once these little pests are dislodged from your plants, they'll have a hard time finding their way back and will starve.

3. Use insecticides to kill aphids. Purchase these at a home and garden center, or make your own. Home remedies can be mixed up using dish or laundry soap and warm water.

4. Aphids usually build colonies. Find these colonies and prune them away. This slows the advance of aphids in your greenhouse.

5. Buy and use aphid predators such as ladybugs and lacewing moths. These insects feed on aphids and aphid larvae. If you're going to use beneficial insects, however, keep in mind that they breed as well--you'll have to release a number of them into the wild consistently to keep your greenhouse from being overrun.

Tips & Warnings

• Aphids hide under leaves--when you spray pesticides, spray under the leaves of every plant.
• Always make sure your pesticide is safe for your plants and beneficial insects.

References

• Yard & Garden Brief: Woolly Aphids on Trees and Shrubs
• How to Get Rid of Aphids