Aphids And More

The insect infestation are likely aphids as well as “honeydew” which is the sticky substance that is the result of the excretions from the insects. In time this sticky substance may lead to the development of black sooty mold, a mold that forms as a result of the excretions from aphids, scale, scale and other sucking insects. Aphids come in many different colors. They are a sucking insect, born with 150 live babies inside of them. They are relatively easy to control, first with a firm spray of water. Once they are off they can not get back onto the host plant. However, they DO have a ferocious reproductive cycle and can multiply very quickly if not kept in check. The use of insecticidal soap spray is one method to get rid of aphids. And keep in mind, iif you use a strong chemical pesticide, it has the potential to not only to kill the aphids, but any beneficial insects close by such as lady bugs. Just plain water is pretty effective, if you do it every day.