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Aphids
Aphids are small (up to 1/4" or 6mm), soft-bodied insects
that infest most garden plants here in Cambria California. Aphids are also
known as plant lice or aphis. The aphid family comprises of many species,
including Green peach aphids, Woolly aphids, Mealy bugs, whiteflies and even
Soft and Armored Scales. The aphid life cycle is very complex as they produce an
additional form besides male or female aphids. Aphids that hatch from over
wintering eggs are wingless females and are called Stem Mothers. These Stem
Mothers can give live birth without fertilization by a male.
Throughout the summer
months, stem mothers may produce many generations of females. Some
of these aphids then develop wings and fly to less densely populated plants.
They may also transfer to a different species of plant.
Large numbers of aphids may cause little damage to a plant;
or just a few aphids may distort and stunt certain plants.
Suggested solution
Aphids are usually easy to control by spraying the plant with
horticultural soap or Neem oil. Here in Cambria California, we have found that the trick is to ensure that you spray behind the
leaves and uncurl leaves to ensure you get a complete coverage of the plant
How to prevent Aphids
Aphids are an ever-present force in Cambria and throughout
the gardening world. You should inspect plants regularly for aphids and spray as
we have suggested.
Products we sell at Cambria Nursery & Florist to control Aphids
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Cambria Nursery and Florist
