<img height="1" width="1" style="display:none" src="https://www.facebook.com/tr?id=192888919167017&amp;ev=PageView&amp;noscript=1">
Friday, March 29, 2024
March 29, 2024

Linkedin Pinterest

What to do

The Columbian
Published: May 27, 2010, 12:00am

What to do in your garden in May:

• Spring is a good time to check for aphids. Aphids seldom kill a mature plant, but the damage they cause and the honeydew they secrete can warrant control. There are many natural predators that feed on aphids; among them are ladybugs, adult wasps, spiders, birds and assassin bugs. You can purchase commercially grown ladybugs, but be aware that most will disperse away from your yard within a few days.

• The presence of ants on your plants may indicate an aphid population, as ants will feed on the honeydew. Ants will also protect the aphids from natural enemies. If you see ants on your plants, you might want to use a band of sticky material such as Tanglefoot around the trunk, to prevent ants from getting up. This is only good on larger, more mature plants and trees. On young plants, the sticky material may have a phytotoxic effect. If you have infestations on younger plants, put a band of fabric tree wrap or duct tape around the stem and then apply the sticky material to the band.

• Aphids are attracted to the color yellow, so you might want to place traps containing sticky material close to the host plants. You can make a sticky trap by spreading petroleum jelly on a yellow index card and placing it in an area where you have observed aphids.

• Another good means of control is to spray a steady stream of water at the host plant, which will knock the aphids to the ground. Once on the ground, it is difficult for the aphids to return to the plant and they become easily susceptible to ground predators. Be sure that you check the underside of the leaves, as many species of aphid prefer this area of the plant. You can pick off aphids from affected plants, to reduce the population. Pruning is also a way to remove overwintering aphid eggs.

• If none of the biological or physical control methods are working, you might choose to use insecticidal soap, which can be sprayed on the affected plants to achieve control. Using dormant oil spray during the fall helps to kill overwintering eggs.

Source: WSU Clark County Extension

Loading...