A pest in your garden

Aphids actual size: 1/18 to 1/8 inch.

There are some 250 species of these nasty little insects that range in color from black, brown, green, red, gray, orange yellow and even pink. Some also have wings.

Most aphids are females that live only about one month. They give birth to several live nymphs each day. The last generation of the season lays eggs on various host plants, where they overwinter and hatch in spring.

They will eat most anything and with their sucking mouthparts, draw sap from leaves, stems, branches, fruit, flowers and even roots. Look for twisted or curled leaves or stems, discolored leaves, galls or stunted growth. They not only damage the plants, but spread diseases.

The simplest way to control them is to spray the affected plant with a jet of water from the hose. You can also snip off any affected leaves or stems and dispose of them in the trash. If they are persistent try horticultural oil bought from your local garden center. It is safe to use around people and pets and beneficial insects. Spray tops and bottoms of leaves. Always check labels first to see what plant are sensitive to these oils.