Hawthorn: Hawthorn aphid
categories: Hawthorn Hawthorn Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
Photo by: Unknown
Biology
Hawthorn aphids are yellow-green to pinkish, soft-bodied insects typically found on the leaves in the spring. Aphid feeding causes young leaves to curl tightly and turn purplish. Older leaves are crinkled and deformed. Feeding aphids produce large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material that may attract ants or become covered with a dark growth of sooty mold.
Management Options
Use Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for successful plant problem management.
Non-chemical Management
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
- Hand-wipe or prune to control small, localized infestations when practical.
- Wash aphids from foliage with a strong stream of water.
- Encourage natural enemies including ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid (hover) fly larvae, and parasitic wasps. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill these beneficial insects.
- 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.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Thorough coverage of the foliage is important, including lower leaf surfaces.
- Apply when aphids begin to increase in numbers.
- Homeowners should not make foliar applications to trees over 10 ft tall.
- Consult a commercial pesticide applicator for treatment of trees and shrubs over 10 ft. tall.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.