Spinach: Aphids
categories: Spinach Spinach Insects Vegetables
revision date: 2023-04-04 12:00
Photo by: A.L. Antonelli
Biology
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects. They vary in color from yellow to light or dark green. Aphids typically feed in colonies on the leaves, often preferring the newer growth. Infested leaves turn yellow and may wilt or show other signs of water stress. 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. The honeydew-feeding ants may protect aphid colonies from predators.
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 or pick leaves to help control small, localized infestations, if practical.
- Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water. This may be ineffective on the low foliage of spinach.
- Control honeydew-feeding ants.
- Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer when practical.
- Wash leaves before eating.
Chemical Management
IMPORTANT: Visit Home and Garden Fact Sheets for more information on using pesticides.
- Thorough coverage of foliage is important, including lower leaf surfaces.
- Do not apply unless leaves are dry.
- Read the product label for timing between last application and harvest.
- Insecticidal soaps may require more than one application.
- Apply when aphids begin to build up.
Approved Pesticides
Listed below are examples of pesticides that are legal in Washington. Always read and follow all label directions.
Additional Image
Photo by: R.S. Byther