How Bad Is It To Have Aphids On My Redding Property?
Most people wouldn't consider garden or crop pests to be harmful to a residential property, but you may be surprised. Pests like aphids don't just cause cosmetic damage to your Redding landscape, they often encourage the growth of mold, and can even attract other kinds of invasive pests to your home as well. Now that you know aphids aren't just a plant enthusiast's nightmare or a solely agricultural problem, what can you do to keep them away from your home this summer?
The Sticky Truth About Aphids In Redding
The family Aphididae has over 200 different species of crop-hungry insects, though the specific species make little difference when it comes to damage and attracting other pests. Aphids are incredibly small, only 1/16 to 1/8 of an inch long, with soft pear-shaped bodies and two tiny little nubs at the end of their abdomens called cornicles. Their coloring varies between green, black, yellow, brown, red, gray, or mottled. Some have wings, some don't, and some are covered in a fur-like substance as well.
There are three major problems with aphids; their voracious appetites for plant juices, the honeydew they produce, and their ability to multiply at a rapid speed. These three aspects alone can cause a multitude of problems:
- Attract other pests like ants and wasps
- Encourage the growth of black mold
- Spread incurable plant diseases throughout your property
- Decimate entire gardens, both food-based and decorative
- Cause yellowing, deformities, and stunted growth in plants
While consuming plant juices, aphids secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which is especially attractive to ants. In fact, some ants love the honeydew so much that they'll protect the aphids, herd them like cattle, and move them to a new plant if their current buffet starts to run out of juice. To top it all off, nearly all aphids are born female, and can reproduce without mating; during warmer months, they can produce up to 12 new offspring daily. Replacing the damage these pests cause can put a pretty hefty dent in your checking account if they go unnoticed.
How To Identify An Aphid Infestation On Your Redding Property
Considering the tiny stature of these insects, it may be difficult to spot an infestation before it's out of control, especially if you don't know what you're looking for. Identification is key, so it's important to know the signs:
- Yellowing and browning leaves
- Misshapen leaves
- Shriveled, dead new growth
- Mottled spots on plants
- Sticky substance on leaves and stems
- Stunted plant growth
- Clusters of aphids on the underside of leaves
- An abundance of ants around your garden
How Can I Get Rid Of An Aphid Infestation On My Redding Property?
Any outdoor pest is difficult to eradicate, simply because they're outdoors. Finding and eradicating the whole infestation is nearly impossible if you don't know what you're doing, and trusting store-bought pesticides to do the trick just won't cut it. Not only are they generally ineffective, they can also be harmful to the environment, and they often kill off helpful insects as well.
You don't have to waste your money on treatments that won't work. Our pest professionals at Redding Spray Services are fully equipped with all the latest advancements in pest control technology and equipment, so you know you'll be getting top-tier treatments during every visit. We pride ourselves on our friendly service and highly effective treatments, but you don't have to take our word for it. Give us a call today, and see for yourself why our clients keep coming back.
Tags: aphids | aphid control | aphid prevention |
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