With spring just around the corner, it’s important for homeowners to be aware of pests that could be in season. Aphids can cause a lot of damage to plants, so it’s important that you reach out to a pest control professional to handle the problem. Independent Pest Solutions are experts on local pests and know how to deal with aphid infestations in and around Puyallup.

BUG CONtroL IN PUYALLUP, WA

What are Aphids? 

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects. Like other types of insects, they have antennae and six legs. They have mouthparts specifically for piercing plants and sucking out sap. These little pests can be a variety of colors, such as green, gray, black, or white. They have dark eyes. Some types of aphids have wings, which they use to find a new food source. Although the bugs are small on their own, they like to swarm together in large groups. 

The Aphid Life Cycle

Aphids reproduce very quickly, laying many eggs. These eggs can overwinter on host plants and then hatch in the spring. In warmer weather, aphids can give birth to live offspring. As the baby aphids grow, they feed on the host plant. The colonies can be found underneath leaves, on plant stems, and more. They produce multiple generations every year. 

Why Aphids Thrive in Pierce County

Aphids thrive in Pierce County, and the Pacific Northwest as a whole, because of our wet climate. Our mild temperatures and frequent rain are ideal for aphids to grow and thrive. Aphids aren’t as common in dry, hot places. Our area has a variety of plant types, which means that there are lots of potential food sources for aphids. This includes wild plants, agricultural crops, and ornamental plants. This gives them lots of opportunities to infest local properties. 

It’s important that the pest control team you hire has local experience and knows how to deal with pests in the area. As a small business, Independent Pest Solutions has the local experts you need to effectively deal with your pest problem. 

What are the signs of an aphid infestation? 

• Actually seeing the bugs on your plants, or seeing their shed skins. 
• The presence of larger predator bugs that feed on aphids, such as ladybugs. 
• Plant damage such as yellowed, curling, or stunted leaves. Aphids can also cause mold growth. 
• Sticky residue (called honeydew) left behind by aphids. Ants are attracted to it. 

What do I do if I have an aphid infestation? 

Aphids can be difficult to get rid of because they’re so small and there’s many of them. There’s some methods you can try, but you may need professional pest control. 

• Inspect plants and physically remove aphids. 

• Use strong water to dislodge the bugs from plants. For serious infestations, this can’t get all of the aphids. 
• Put plants in your yard that aphids find unpleasant, which can keep them at bay. 
• Introduce predator insects that eat aphids, such as ladybugs, lacewings, or parasitoid wasps. 
• Use reflective mulch that repels and confuses aphids searching for host plants. 
• Use sticky traps to catch aphids. 

At the end of the day, the best option for any type of pest control is to have the experts handle it. Independent Pest Control knows which methods to use to get rid of aphids and keep your garden healthy. 

Aphids can cause a lot of trouble for property owners, and are difficult to eliminate entirely. Prompt, effective pest control can help keep them from causing any more damage to your garden.

Reach out to Independent Pest Solutions as soon as possible so that we can do a pest inspection on your property. From there, our pest control technicians can determine the best path forward for your situation. We are the pest control company in Puyallup that you can trust to do the job right. 

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