Small and soft-bodied, aphids are usually no more than an eighth of an inch long, making them difficult to spot, explained Amy Dreves, Oregon State University Master Gardener program assistant and entomologist. They may be yellow, green, red or brown.
Aphids feed on new growth on vegetable, ornamental and houseplants early in the growing season.
These tiny insects suck plant juices from leaves, stems and buds, causing the plant to become stunted. They may also spread plant diseases. Leaves may curl and look distorted. The earlier in the growing season aphids are discovered and controlled, the better for your plants. Check new growth on flowering shrubs such as roses and rhododendrons and on houseplants, recommended Dreves.