Blueberry: Aphids

Biology

Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects. They may vary in color from yellow to green to pinkish. Aphids typically feed in colonies on leaves and shoots, often preferring the newer growth. Severe infestations may cause leaves to turn yellow and wilt or show other signs of water stress. Repeated severe aphid infestations can weaken plants. Feeding aphids often produce large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which may attract ants or become covered with a dark growth of sooty mold. Honeydew and sooty mold can reduce the quality of fruit.

Management Options

Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.

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 to help control small, localized infestations.
• 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 in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer when practical.

Chemical Management

IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.

• Apply when aphids appear, repeat if necessary.
• Direct applications to undersides of leaves.
• Soaps may require several applications.

Approved Pesticides

Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid [EPA registration number: 42697-60]
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.

Additional Images