Beet, Chard: Aphids
categories: Beet, Chard Beet, Chard Insects Vegetables
last review date: 2026-02-27 09:49
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
Aphids are small, pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects. They may range in color from yellowish to dark green.
Aphids typically feed on the underside of leaves, sucking sap from the plant tissues. Aphid feeding can cause foliage to yellow, and leaves may wilt if infestations are severe.
Aphid feeding produces honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may attract ants or become covered with a dark growth of sooty mold.
Management Options
See "Using Integrated Pest Management (IPM) in the Landscape" for successful problem management techniques.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Encourage natural enemies including ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid (hover) fly larvae, and parasitic wasps. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
- Hand-wipe or prune to control small, localized infestations when practical.
- Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water.
- Control honeydew-feeding ants, which may protect aphid colonies from predators.
- Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Apply control measures when aphids first appear and repeat applications at 8- to 10-day intervals as needed.
- Soaps may require several applications.
- Thorough coverage of the foliage is important, including lower leaf surfaces.
Approved Pesticides
Examples of pesticides that are legal for home use in Washington State are listed below.
The list may not include all products registered for this use.
Additional Image
Photo by: R.S. Byther
WSU Extension programs and employment are available to all without discrimination.
Evidence of noncompliance may be reported through your local Extension office.