Pear: Aphids

Biology

Three aphids are commonly found infesting pear. All three species produce honeydew, a sweet, sticky material which attracts ants and that may become covered with a growth of dark sooty mold. Honeydew also causes russeting of pear fruit. The green peach aphid is pale green in color, the melon or cotton aphid is yellowish to dark green, and the bean aphid is black. The green peach and melon aphids feed on succulent shoots throughout the tree, while the bean aphid is primarily found in clusters on shoot tips. Aphid feeding causes foliage and shoots to be stunted, curled and deformed. Green apple aphids are also occasionally found on Asian pears.

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 may kill these beneficial insects.
• Hand-wipe or prune to control small, localized infestations when practical.
• Wash aphids and honeydew from trees 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 superior spray oils to manage overwintering aphid eggs.
• Use insecticidal soap or azadirachtin as needed during the summer.
• Soaps may require several applications.
• 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.

• All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Spray Oil Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: mineral oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 4-80]
• Hi-Yield Dormant Spray
  Active ingredient: oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 7401-428]
• Natural Guard Brand Neem R-T-U
  Active ingredient: clarified hydrophobic extract of neem oil [EPA registration number: 70051-13-7401]
• Safer Brand BioNEEM Multi-Purpose Insecticide and Repellent Concentrate [Organic]
  Active ingredient: azadirachtin [EPA registration number: 70051-6-42697]
• R-T-U Year-Round Spray Oil
  Active ingredient: oil/pet distillate [EPA registration number: 6218-78]
• 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