What does it look like? They are small 2-4 mm in length, pear shaped insects, and are often covered with white waxy strands. The wax filaments give this pest a fluffy, cottony appearance, as though they are covered with wool. Woolly aphids are similar to true aphids.
What does it do? Woolly aphids occur on many hardwoods and coniferous including elm, silver maple, ash, alder, apple, pear, pine, spruce, hawthorn. They feed on leaves, buds, twigs, and bark, but can also feed on the roots. Symptoms of feeding include twisted and curled leaves, yellowed foliage, poor plant growth, low plant vigor, and branch dieback. Physical injury may result when large numbers of woolly aphids attack young trees or unhealthy, stressed trees.
How are they controlled? Woolly aphid is soft-bodied and needs high humidity to colonise trees, therefore opening up trees to increase airflow will help control the pest. Soap sprays can remove the aphid's protective wax coating, making other control strategies more effective. Spiders are also beneficial for woolly aphid management. When pruning it is important not to leave stubs as this provides an excellent site for woolly aphid to colonise. Spray with Eco-Oil Confidor.
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