Aphids: They’re Everywhere!

 By Danny Kaminsky, Muhlenberg College Class of 2015

Shipher Wu   CC Some Rights Reserved

 

Everyone has ornamental plants in their homes to liven up the place but have you ever really taken a close look at them? Sometimes you will find tiny green insects or Aphids occupying nearly every surface of your houseplants. These tiny insects go unnoticed, but what exactly are they doing there? Is it safe for them to be covering your plants and sitting day and night in your homes and gardens?

            These soft-bodied insects, about the size of an individual ice cream sprinkle, are common worldwide, making them a prevalent resident here in Pennsylvania. With over 4,500 species of Aphids identified, you are bound to notice them sooner or later if you look close enough to.

One day while at a friend’s house, I was observing the plants in his kitchen when I realized the surface of the stems was not smooth, but rather bumpy and moving around. Upon getting even closer, I realized that there were literally hundreds upon hundreds of tiny green Aphids as well as little white exo-skeletons covering every surface and even stacked on top of each other. Immediately alarmed, I notified my friend who, without hesitation, threw the plant outside in disgust. This experience sparked a number of questions about what they are doing there and what relationship these insects have with the host plant they are occupying.

            Aphids are considered one of the most destructive insects to ornamental and cultivated plants across the globe. It is hard to imagine how such a tiny, squishy, cute, green insect can cause so much damage. Their ability to wreak havoc environmentally is caused by their ridiculously fast reproduction rate, which does not come as a surprise seeing as they are EVERYWHERE, occupying nearly EVERY surface! The Aphids use tiny sucking mouthparts to pierce through and suck nutritious plant fluids from their host. Aphids rely on particular beneficial bacteria, which provide them with essential nutrients. Their saliva is toxic to many plants on a small scale and aphids serve as a efficient vector for plant diseases. Aphids damage plants by limiting plant growth, altering coloration, deforming leaves and flowers, and causing plant death!

            Have you ever noticed a sticky substance covering the surface of your car? Well, look up and you are likely parked under a tree occupied by thousands of Aphids. These insects are known to secrete a sticky, honey-like substance as a waste product called “Honey dew,” as they feed on plant sap; just like the melon! The sugary substance is very attractive to a number of other insects such as ladybugs, ants, flies, and bees, looking for an easy cocktail. Upon falling, this honeydew sticks to the surface of outdoor furniture and cars, ruining the finish, and causing mold.

            How is this problem solved? What steps are taken in order to control and eradicate these rapidly producing Aphids? Insecticides seem to be the only way to fully manage Aphids however it is possible to remove them from your ornamental plants using a hose with a steady stream of water to wash them away like a miniature tsunami. Remember to carefully read the entire label on the insecticide, as these substances are known to be highly toxic.

            Although many wish to exterminate such a bizarre and unusual pests, there are many interesting facts that may make you think twice before spraying harmful chemicals on Aphids. For example, Aphids can give birth to live daughters who are already pregnant carrying granddaughters. That would be like a human giving birth to a child who has another baby inside of her. If that doesn’t blow your mind then nothing will! Aphids are also considered to be model organisms and are a prime example of how one genome can code for different phenotypes in the same species. Imagine if humans were able to produce an entirely new generation of winged humans due to changes in the environment or food source demands.

            Despite their effects on not only your ornamental plants and even your new car, Aphids are extremely interesting and unusual creatures; not to mention super cute. Unless they are causing tremendous damage to your plants or garden at home you should leave them alone! I strongly urge you to take a closer look at all of your ornamental plants for these awesome Aphids and remember, always look up before you park your car!