Property owners typically devote tremendous resources to purchasing, improving, and beautifying their homes. Keeping the exterior areas of the property looking sharp is usually a priority among homeowners in the Vero Beach region. Some of the external priorities often include lush lawns, nice landscaping, and colorful garden areas. 

Unfortunately, one of the potential problems that will create problems in lawn and garden areas are types of aphids. Existing in roughly 4,000 different species, aphids are pests that will destroy plants. 

Are you facing problems involving aphids on your Vero Beach property?  Those struggling with aphids should take action in response to these pest-related concerns by consulting with a pest control professional like HomeShield Pest Control. An experienced Vero Beach pest control company understands the most efficient ways to get rid of aphids that have invaded your property and knows how to prevent aphids from returning. 

What Are Aphids?

Sometimes referred to as plant lice or ant cows, aphids are tiny insects with soft, pear-shaped bodies that measure from 1/16 of an inch to 1/8 of an inch long. Most young aphids are wingless; however, adults often develop wings. They may appear in colors including yellow, green, brown, black, and others. 

Aphids have two appendages called cornicles on their abdomen that often appear brown. As they develop, aphids shed the exoskeleton that covers their bodies. Many aphid species in Vero Beach generate “wax-like” or “wooly” strands on their bodies. 

How Aphids Damage Plants

Aphids use specialized mouthparts for sucking liquids from plants. One way that aphids damage plants are through the transmission of dangerous viruses. Many of these viruses spread rapidly among other plants or vegetables, which usually causes the yellowing of leaves.  

What is aphid honeydew? Aphids generate a sticky substance called honeydew that attaches to plants and encourages mold growth. Aphids also spread various toxins that harm plant life by hindering growth. Some types of aphids damage plants in unique ways, such as wooly apple aphids that harm the roots and branches of apple trees. 

Problems with aphids can escalate quickly, as these pests may quickly proliferate. Once aphids mature, females might create up to 12 offspring each day. In some instances, aphids attract other undesirable pests, including ants and stinging insects, which consume the honeydew that aphids generate. 

Tips To Prevent Aphids

What are some of the best strategies for preventing troublesome aphids on your Vero Beach-area property? Consider the following tips:

  • Choose your trees and plants wisely by avoiding those most susceptible to aphids, including birch trees, broccoli, and lettuce. 
  • Consider alternatives that researchers suggest may repel aphids, including garlic, chives, leeks, and marigolds.
  • Spraying essential oils, including peppermint, thyme, and rosemary, often help with deterring aphids
  • Regularly remove weeds that also compete for nutrients with your plants.

Wondering how to treat aphids? Homeowners who notice the presence of aphids will usually have success removing them from plants by spraying them with a garden hose.

The Best Way To Get Rid Of Aphids In Vero Beach

How do you get rid of aphids? Some frustrated property owners try do-it-yourself products such as sprays and granular formulas for expelling aphids. Most of these options produce mediocre outcomes that often result in only short-term benefits. For truly lasting results, having help from a trained specialist is a step in the right direction.  

Since beginning in 2009, HomeShield Pest Control has remained among the leading providers of pest control services in the Vero Beach area. We maintain a commitment to safety, value, and superior customer service. As an organization offering full-service solutions, our trained specialists will assist residents with ants, bed bugs, rodents, mosquitoes, and a variety of other burdensome creatures that often pose health risks. 

We use some of the leading organic products available in the industry. Many of these options receive endorsement from the National Pest Management Association (NPMA) and other organizations that provide education and advocate for environmental protection. Contact our office today for more information.