#Small black caterpillar with yellow stripes curled in leaf plus
They are particularly prevalent in greenhouses.įavourite Plants to Consume: They can be found on a wide range of plants, including azaleas, rhododendrons, honeysuckle, plus edibles including cabbages, tomatoes and cucumbers. This may not be immediately visible – you are more likely to spot the insects themselves – but a large infestation can lead to a black sooty ‘mould’ like appearance on leaves, which weakens plant growth. Key Signs of Whitefly Damage: Whiteflies cause damage by sucking the sap from plants. Their lifecycle is only three weeks long, which means an infestation can occur very rapidly. You may well spot them on the underside of leaves they prefer younger, fresher leaves and they will fly in clusters when you disturb them. They can also be rinsed off with a light solution of washing up liquid.Īppearance: These small white-winged insects, at just 1 or 2 mm in length, look very much like white moths as adults and are related to aphids. If your plant has a real infestation, gently shake the plant so the aphids fall off. If there are not too many, you can also squash them. Ways to Tackle: A number of beneficial insects, including ladybirds, lacewing larvae and hoverflies, are natural predators of aphids so a good garden ecosystem will help with control. The presence of Honeydew (a clear, sticky substance, often accompanied by a black sooty coating) is another good indicator of aphids.įavourite Plants to Consume: Aphids eat a huge variety of plants, both outdoor and in the greenhouse.
Key Signs of Aphid Damage: Look for leaves that are curling, yellowing or misshapen. Ants farm aphids and if you see ants running up and down the stems it is often a sign there are aphids. You may spot them clustered on the stem of soft shoots – look under leaves in particular – or may find a sticky substance on your plants that gives away aphids have been there sucking at the sap. There are hundreds of species, but the most commonly known can be grouped as greenfly or blackfly – although equally may be orange, brown or pink in colour. Those of a sensitive disposition may like to look away now … Aphids (Greenfly, Blackfly)Īppearance: Aphids are extremely common and can significantly impact on plant growth. Identify some of the usual suspects, along with their favoured foods, in our guide to common garden pests. A relatively small number of garden pests are responsible for most of the damage done to flower and food crops in UK gardens.
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