All About Aphids in Northern CA

Handling Aphids: Protecting Our Trees (And Driveways) From These Frustrating Insects

Northern California’s diverse environments are a perfect habitat for aphids. In this guide, we’ll explore common aphids in the area and how to protect your trees!

Common Aphids:

Birch Aphid: 

 

Crapemyrtle Aphid: 

Ash Leafcurl Aphid: 

Woolly Hackberry Aphid:

Woolly Oak Aphid: 

What Damage Can Aphids Cause?

• Leaf damage – aphids suck the sap and moisture out of the foliage so they can cause an array of problems to a tree’s leaves
  • Curling
  • Die off
  • Browning
  • Holes
• Honeydew – as aphids eat they produce a sticky excrement called ‘honeydew’, this material will often cover the tree and coat objects below (like your car or driveway)
  • Honeydew can attract other animals and insects like ants
  • Can also cause sooty mold to grow on the surfaces it touches

• Tree decline
  • If left untreated aphid damage can cause harm to the tree as a whole
  • It will take some time but weaker trees can die from aphid infestations