Ornamental Cherry: Aphids

• Categories: Ornamental Cherry Ornamental Cherry Insects Ornamental trees Ornamentals
• Last review date: 2026-08-29 08:19

Biology

Several aphids attack flowering cherries, including the black cherry aphid. Black cherry aphids are small black insects which typically feed on the new growth, causing the expanding leaves to curl and distort and tip growth to be reduced.

These and other aphids produce large amounts of honeydew, a sweet, sticky material excreted by the insects during feeding. The honeydew 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!

• Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water.
• Remove aphids by hand (when practical) to control small infestations.
• Natural predators and parasites, including ladybird beetles, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, help control aphid populations.
• Control honeydew-feeding ants, which may protect aphid colonies.
• Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer.

Chemical Management

• Thorough coverage of the foliage is important, including lower leaf surfaces (follow label instructions for products applied as a drench).
• Apply one of the following when aphid buildup is noticed!
• Use oils at delayed dormant stage, when buds just begin to swell.
• 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

If you choose to use a pesticide, some examples of products that are legal in Washington are listed below. Some products are labeled for just INDOOR or just OUTDOOR use, or may allow both uses. Be sure to choose a product appropriate for your situation. Always read and follow all label directions.

• Hi-Yield Dormant Spray
  Active ingredient: Paraffinc oil
  EPA registration number: 7401-428
• Safer Brand Insect Killing Soap Concentrate II [Organic]
  Active ingredient: potassium salts of fatty acid
  EPA registration number: 42697-60
• Azera Gardening [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin, pyrethrins
  EPA registration number: 1021-1872
• This list may not include all products registered for this use.