What's it look like?

Aphids are one of the most common garden pests. They appear as small dots over buds and shoots. Their coloring ranges from green or white to browny black. The insects produce a sugary honeydew that allows sooty mould fungus to grow on it. Ants also feed on the honeydew so it's often likely to have both pests.

What it attacks

Aphids feed on the new growth on plants. They congregate on buds and new leaf shoots, leaving them quite distrorted if numbers are plentiful. Flowers can fall as a result. Aphids suck the sap from the plant and will generally weaken the entire plant. If not treated then it can stunt growth and eventually kill the plant. Aphids attack many different plants from roses, hibiscus and most fruit trees and even some vegetables.

What to do before it arrives

Splash plants with diluted soapy water as this can sometimes deter the insect from laying eggs. Plant flowers to attract predators into the garden, include things like dill flowers, flowering sage and cabbage family plants that have gone to seed.

What to do if you already have problems

If you only have a few aphids then they can be scraped off with your fingers. You can also try hosing some off with water. Try leaving them alone if possible to encourage predators. Small birds, hoverflies, wasps, ladybirds and lacewings all feed on aphids. Leave a few vegetables and herbs to go to flower in the garden to attract them. Using sprays can kill predators so use them sparingly. I aphid population is out of hand then try oil sprays before temperatures are too hot, or a soap spray. Garlic, pyrethrum and woodworm sprays are said to work will on aphids too.