Aphids in Colorado: Identification, Damage, and How to Get Rid of Them

Colorado is the home to dozens of types of aphids. They are found on shade trees and woody ornamental plants, and some of the species have become pests. Aphids can affect the vigor of the plant, leading to problems with new growth in the future.

What Do Aphids Look Like?

Aphids are small insects, but they can grow to around 1/4 in long. Some are dully gray in color, while others are bright orange and red. Then there are other species that have a pattern to them.

They feed on the plants by sucking on the spa through the leaves, stems, and twigs. The good news is that they are prey to some types of insects, including parasitic wasps, lady beetles, and green lacewings.

What Damage to Aphids Do?

The creatures will suck the sap out of the plants. On a small level, this isn’t going to do too much damage. All creatures get nutrients from trees and plants, and sometimes, that means taking some of the sap.

They become an issue when there is too much sap being taken. This sap is needed for the tree and plant to thrive. Without it, it’s hard for the plants to reproduce easily. The next season, the plants and trees won’t grow to the beauty they did before.

The Lifecycle of Aphids

Eggs hatch around the middle of spring, just as the plants are starting to come back to life. They will suck on the sap as the plants regrow.

During the summer months, the females will give birth to live insects, with as many as 20 live young being birthed per day. It takes just a couple of weeks for the aphids to go through their lifecycle. Then as winter approaches, the females and males will mate, and the females then lay eggs. They remain as eggs throughout the winter.

Dealing With Aphids

The entire lifecycle is damaging to plants. It’s important to deal with the situation right away. Acephate is one of the most effective insecticides to help deal with the issue. It will need to be strategically applied to the leaves of plants.

What if you have trees where it’s hard to get the insecticide on the leaves? You can inject this into the trunk of the tree. It is then mixed in with the sap. You can also place it on the base of the tree, but it’s not as effective.

One of the best options is to spray where the aphids overwinter on the plant. You can even add dormant oils on here to help prevent the eggs from hatching. Tackle the issue at the source, and it’s much easier to deal with.

Frequently Asked Questions About Aphids

What are aphids?

Aphids are tiny insects that feed on plant sap. They gather on leaves, stems, and twigs and can weaken plants over time.

What do aphids look like?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that may be green, gray, black, orange, or red. They often appear in clusters on new growth or on the undersides of leaves.

Why are aphids bad for plants?

Aphids damage plants by sucking out sap, which plants need for healthy growth. Large infestations can lead to curled leaves, weak growth, and a less healthy-looking plant.

How do I get rid of aphids quickly?

You can get rid of aphids quickly by spraying them off with water, using insecticidal soap, or applying neem oil. For severe infestations, stronger insecticides may be needed.

When are aphids most active in Colorado?

Aphids are usually most active in Colorado during spring and summer. They often appear when plants begin putting out new growth.

Can plants recover from aphids?

Yes, many plants can recover from aphids if the infestation is treated early. Healthy watering and ongoing care can help the plant bounce back.

Do aphids spread easily?

Yes, aphids spread quickly. They reproduce fast and can move from plant to plant, especially when populations grow.

Are aphids harmful to humans or pets?

No, aphids are not harmful to humans or pets. They are mainly a problem because they damage plants.

What is the best way to prevent aphids?

The best way to prevent aphids is to inspect plants often, encourage beneficial insects, and treat overwintering eggs before they hatch.