What are they? 

Very tiny (adults are less than 1/4 inch!), soft-bodied insects that can range in color from white to pink to brown and black. Adults and nymphs have long antennae and two short tubes (or cornicles) protruding from their bottoms. Most are wingless, but they can develop wings when food sources are depleted. Plants affected by aphids are: mustard, nasturtium, lettuce, peas, potatoes, peaches, melons, apples, cabbage, roses and a wide variety of other plants and trees. You will see them April through October.

How to Diagnose the Problem

Aphids can can cause damage to virtually any plant.  Look for curled or distorted leaves, sticky residue on leaves or the presence of sooty mold and the presence of a large quantity of ants on the plant, they are attracted to the sugary liquid aphids produce as waste.

How to Control Them

Here are some things to keep in mind at any stage:

• INSECTICIDE: Spray Eight or Indoor/Outdoor Spray
• EARTH FRIENDLY: All Seasons Oil can be used. Even a blast of cold water can dislodge them. Lady bugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps are natural predators. You can also plant proactively to repel aphids using catnip or garlic and chives to keep them away from many types of vegetables and roses.