Aphids

What it looks like

Small, soft-bodied insects clustered on new growth and the undersides of leaves. Leaves may feel sticky from honeydew, and a black sooty mold can grow on that residue. Crape myrtle aphids stick specifically to crape myrtle leaves.

Often mistaken for: Scale insects or whiteflies

When it shows up in the Triangle

Active continuously from spring through fall in our area.

Where you’ll see it

Found on many landscape shrubs and trees, with crape myrtles being a common target.

What you can do

• Encourage beneficial insects like ladybugs that naturally keep aphids in check
• Avoid over-fertilizing with nitrogen, since lush new growth attracts aphids
• Hose down affected leaves with a strong spray of water to knock aphids off
• Prune out heavily infested branches if the problem is isolated
• Keep an eye on new growth in spring and summer, since that's where aphids gather first