How to Prevent Aphids on Elm Trees
Elm trees are susceptible to a few common insects. Aphids are among these insects. Aphids can be brown, black, red and even yellow. They are tiny and have pear-shaped bodies. Aphids have piercing-sucking mouth parts and can drain all the nutrients out of the leaves of your elm tree. Aphids reproduce quickly so it is very important to learn how to protect your elm tree from ever becoming infested with this pest.
Bring ladybugs onto your property. If you cannot catch any of your own, you can purchase them from various garden centers. Ladybugs are natural predators to the aphid and will take care of any aphids that make their way to your elm tree. This can stop an infestation from ever occurring.
- Elm trees are susceptible to a few common insects.
- Ladybugs are natural predators to the aphid and will take care of any aphids that make their way to your elm tree.
Hang a strip of parasitic wasps from your elm tree. This is another predator to the aphid that will prevent your elm tree from ever getting an infestation. When you go to purchase parasitic wasps, you may find them called trichogramma.
Hose down your elm tree leaves once every couple of days. Make sure you aim underneath of the leaves. This is where aphids often cluster together. The water will knock any aphids that may be on your elm tree off.
- Hang a strip of parasitic wasps from your elm tree.
- The water will knock any aphids that may be on your elm tree off.
Fill a garden sprayer with 2 gallons of water and add 3 tbsp. dish detergent. This creates an all natural insecticide. Spray this insecticide all over the leaves of your elm tree. Repeat once every two weeks to keep aphids away.
Aphids & Ash Trees
Aphids are small insects that use their sucking mouth parts to feed on the foliage of trees and plants. Depending on the species, aphids can be a range of colors, including brown, yellow, white and black. Aphids take up residence in the tips of new plant growth or on the undersides of leaves to feed on the tree. Over time, the leaves begin to turn yellow and become misshapen. While aphids don't usually cause devastating damage, controlling them will prevent the leaves of an ash tree from becoming unsightly. Direct a strong stream of water from your garden hose on the tree. The water will knock the aphids from the leaves and will also help rinse the sticky honeydew from the foliage.
- Fill a garden sprayer with 2 gallons of water and add 3 tbsp.
- The water will knock the aphids from the leaves and will also help rinse the sticky honeydew from the foliage.
Tip
Keeping an eye on your elm tree will help you quickly catch any aphids that show up. Once every couple of days flip the leaves over and examine them for aphids.
Related Articles
References
- University of California: Aphids Management Guide
- National Gardening Association: Aphids
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Ash
- University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources: Pests in Gardens and Landscapes: Aphids
- National Gardening Association: Aphids
- Iowa State University Extension: Ash Leaf Curl Aphid
Tips
- Keeping an eye on your elm tree will help you quickly catch any aphids that show up. Once every couple of days flip the leaves over and examine them for aphids.
Writer Bio
Alicia Bodine has been a professional writer for 13 years. She has produced thousands of articles for online publications such as Demand Studios, GoBankingRates and WiseGeek. Bodine is passionate about gardening, travel, education and finance. She has received awards for being a top content producer.
