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Greenhouse Pest Control: Aphids

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Everything For Indoor Growers To Know About Aphids

Anyone who’s ever grown anything probably knows about aphids. They are extremely common pests. Most of the time, they don’t cause too much damage—but what happens when an aphid nuisance turns into a damaging infestation? Here’s everything you need to know about these pests, and what to do when they come for your crops. 


Types of Aphids

Scientists estimate that there are over 5,000 species of aphids worldwide. There are two main groups that growers should know about: root aphids and foliage aphids.

Root aphids attach onto plants’ roots, while foliage aphids attach onto the leaves and stems. Root aphids can spread via irrigation water, while foliage aphids can spread via wind or flight.


What They Do

Aphids attach onto plant tissue to feed on the plant’s sap. The impacts of their sap-sucking include flower, fruit, and leaf distortion, discoloration, wilting, and stunted growth.

They can also transmit harmful viruses while harvesting the sap. Aphids transmit all potyviruses.

Additionally, aphids leave behind a waste called honeydew as they eat. Honeydew itself is not harmful to plants, but it can cause black sooty mold. Sooty mold coats a plant's leaves and prevents it from photosynthesizing.


How To Tell If You Have Them

If your leaves have a sticky coating—AKA honeydew—you can bet that aphids are the cause. Another sign of aphids is if you notice an increased number of ants—ants often feed on honeydew and have a symbiotic relationship with aphids.


How To Combat Aphids

Spraying your crops down with soapy water can help control the aphid population by physically removing them from your plant.

Alternatively, systemic insecticide is often the most effective way to combat a large aphid infestation because they feed on plants’ sap. However, it’s important to remember that this method can negatively impact beneficial insects such as pollinators, so be careful when and how you use it. 


Have more questions about pest control, best growing practices, or indoor agriculture in general? Our experts are here to help. Contact TC Control Group today to discuss your greenhouse or indoor growing operation.