How to Get Rid of Spirea, Black & Brown Citrus & Melon Aphids that Can Attract Others Insects Such as Ants in The Villages, FL
Can aphids survive the winter? Well here in Florida the temperature doesn’t usually drop under the high 50’s in the winter time. Aphids remain a consent pest that damages or destroys many plants. Florida is plagued with four major species of Aphids. Pest 911 will share with you information to help identify these little shrub pests, and what to look for in the event your plants begin to look a bit sickly.
Aphid Life Cycle; How Do Aphids Spread?
Aphids are not difficult to spot; they are pear shaped insects that swarm in the droves. In Florida many aphid species are in a sense, all female. Aphids are born with the next generation already within them. As they develop they reach sexual maturity, and later give birth to their young. Only in colder climates does the species require a male, where overwintering eggs is necessary. However this varies with species.
Spirea Aphid Identification
Spirea Aphids are one of the most common species of aphids to invade many regions in Florida. They are just less than 0.07 of an inch long and are light green in color; similar to a citrus leaf. The winged aphids have a dark brown thorax and green abdomen. The spirea aphids was first discovered in the Tampa area in 1923 and have been spreading throughout the state ever since. The spirea aphid has a wintering cycle, however due to the Florida climate they do not need to retreat from the cold. They will often be found feeding on plants all year long.
Melon AKA Cotton Aphids
Melon Aphids or also known as Cotton Aphids are very similar to the Spirea Aphids. They are the same size and have similar reproductive cycles. Their colors do vary but most commonly, they are dark grey or dull black in color. Younger melon aphids are white or transparent in color.
Black Citrus Aphids
The Black Citrus Aphids are considered to be the second largest Aphid measuring 0.08 of an inch long. The immature black citrus aphid is reddish brown and the adults are dull black in color. Black citrus aphids have two forms; winged and wingless. Both have striped antennas and legs. Black citrus aphids are also known as a black orange aphid and have a keen liking for citrus fruits and flowering shrubs and plants. Like all aphids, they are born to reproduce once matured, resulting in a never ending cycle of aphids.
Brown Citrus Aphids
The Brown Citrus Aphid is a similar species to the black citrus aphid. However, brown citrus aphids are much larger, growing as long as 0.1 of an inch. Like most aphids, it too has a winged and a wingless form. Both are dark brown in color. Brown citrus aphids are a major concern and are a threat to produce farms. They can transmit citrus tristeza closterovirus or (CTV). CTV killed over 16 million citrus trees from Brazil to Argentina in one of the greatest agriculture losses ever recorded. A sighting of the brown citrus aphid is something that needs to be taken seriously and requires a quick response.
Aphid Pest Control
Florida is under constant threat of an invasion by aphids. Some species are not as devastating as others. In fact, some are considered a “helpful” pest. They pollinate many of the different citrus trees as they travel from one to the next. But eventual action must be taken to preserve the produce. For those homeowners that strive for that beautifully groomed yard, aphids pose quite a problem; particularly as they attract other pests such as ants as well. If any signs of aphids are spotted on your land or in your shrubs and trees, we here at Pest 911 can be there to save your plants. Contact us to schedule a pest inspection today!
