How Will Aphid Control Benefit Me?

Aphids. These tiny little creatures might not come to the forefront of your mind, especially as the weather turns cooler. When the Spring weather returns, aphids can become very problematic, especially considering their aggressive eating and breeding behaviors. Protect your garden this spring from an aphid invasion while ensuring the pollinators remain safe. Get aphid control from Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces.

For expert aphid control and other pest control services, such as fire ant control or scorpion control, contact Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces. Get your free quote by calling us at (575) 221-1787 or filling out our online contact form.

Common Las Cruces Aphids

Aphids are insects of the Order Hemiptera, Suborder Sternorrhyncha, members of either family Aphididae or Adelgidae. For most of us, these words mean little more than flashbacks to eighth-grade science class. Still, these are the entomology, the zoological classification of insects, of New Mexico’s resident aphids.

According to New Medico State University’s publication “Aphids & Their Relatives” by Carol A. Sutherland, there are over 1,000 species of aphids in the US and Canada. In the immediate area, more common Las Cruces aphids are broad but are generally named after their preferred host plant, though even then, it can be challenging. These range from aphids that use very few hosts throughout the year to other aphids or close relatives of aphids that are drawn to specific plant varieties.

More specific aphids include the giant willow aphids that only use willow trees, rose aphids that are drawn to certain rose species, ivy aphids that are only found on English ivy, and conifer bark aphids that are generally associated with pine, firs, spruce, and other conifer trees.

The aphid species that use various hosts at different stages of their life include curly leaf aphids, woolly apple aphids, melon or cotton aphids, and green peach aphids.

Aphids are abundant if you know where to look. Anyone with one ornamental plant in their garden can be sure that aphids are nearby.

What do Aphids Target in the Spring? PLANTS!

Like most parasite species, aphids have to damage their host to feed. When they feed, their host plants will often wilt, which will be the first sign that aphids are attacking your plants. More distinct and costly damage will come with prolonged inhabitance of the ornamental plant, including yellowing spots, odd or distorted growths, and even necrosis. This will cause leaves and flowers to fall from the plant, making it appear sickly and unsightly. Heavy damage from aphids will cause the plant to become unable to photosynthesize, eventually leading to the plant’s death.

Aphids are also known to carry plant viruses, and flying aphids can cause broad outbreaks. These viruses can sometimes lead to the whole culling of plant life. Not only will feedings and viruses cause damage, but mold is often encouraged to grow in the damaged areas, fully compromising plants treated for an aphid infestation.

The best course for those with a healthy garden is to be proactive and keep aphids away from your plants with aphid control. When looking for the best aphid control in your area, read reviews to ensure you get the best service possible!

Aphid Life Cycle

Though small, aphids can cause much damage over a short period. Some spiders and predatory insects will help your garden by eating aphids, but unfortunately, they cannot keep up with these pests breeding abilities.

Aphids lay eggs in the fall when it is time for overwintering, but most commonly, females produce parthenogenetically. This is without males or mating. They will also give birth to live young after the female born from an egg is fully grown. This usually only takes a couple of weeks. Females will start giving live birth every day for 30 days before reaching the end of their lifetime. When overcrowding becomes too much, winged aphids will be born and find a new host. Generations of aphids are born in a single year before the fall approaches when things change.

Winged aphids are also born near the end of summer or the beginning of fall, when they will migrate to produce a single generation of male and female aphids to produce overwintering eggs before the parents die. The eggs will wait until spring to start the whole process anew.

Las Cruces Aphid Control for Healthy, Happy Plants

How can you combat quickly reproducing creatures such as aphids and keep your plants safe? By being proactive with your pest control. Aphid control is available from Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces. Our highly trained technicians are taught what plants to avoid protecting pollinators in your garden spaces. Honeybees and other beneficial bugs will be given free rein in your yard while putting up a protective barrier. This barrier protection will reduce the aphid population by up to 90% and help keep out any new aphids.

You and your plants can breathe a sigh of relief without these pests in your space.

Keep your Las Cruces garden safe from these plant eaters. Our Protective Barrier will reduce the aphids by up to 90% and starts working immediately. Our experienced technicians at Mosquito Squad of Las Cruces are trained to avoid plants that are important for pollinators. Contact us online or call us today at (575) 221-1787.