Spotting Aphids on Larger Trees

Aphids are a common garden pest, and if they are treated quickly, you can minimize the damage they do to your leafy plants, shrubs, and trees. However, the issue that many run into is that they infest some of your larger trees. As the pests are very small, they can be difficult to spot on leaves that are towering above your head. If you can’t necessarily spot aphids up close and personal, here are the signs that your larger trees may have an infection.

Sap Near the Ground and On Leaves

Aphids, although small, are very numerous and feast on sap. As they feast on sap, you will find it drawn out and everywhere. The leaves will become sticky with sap residue and you will find sap on the ground and at the base of the trunk as it drips down from where the aphids have feasted.

Spotted Leaves

There are two types of spots that you may see on the leaves of your tree in the event of an aphid investigation. You may be seeing leaves with black spots. This is a fungi that grows from the sap residue left behind. You may also see yellow spots on leaves in the canopy. These spots are actually aphids since many of them are yellow in color. If you can get the leaf down, you can confirm this when the yellow spots starts moving.

Galls

Finally, the last sign of an aphid infestation is that your leaves will have galls. These are essentially like tumors that have formed after the aphids have laid eggs inside a tree.

What to Do About Aphids?

There are a few home remedies that can be used to remove aphids, but those won’t work when a tree towers above your head. If your large tree has an infestation and you need it dealt with, contact us today to see what Advanced Tree & Shrub Care can do to remove them.