Aphids attack nearly every species of plant.
They injure plants by sucking large quantities of plant juice from the tender tissues. Injury usually consists of leaf curl and distortion or premature leaf drop. Aphids excrete a sweet sticky substance known as honeydew, which appears clear and shiny on the leaf surfaces. Under heavy infestations, honeydew will drop from the trees making cars, streets, and sidewalks very sticky and unpleasant. Honeydew attracts ants and also acts as a food for a black fungus known as sooty mold.