They come in the spring and damage tender new growth. A hard spray of water from the hose will help remove aphid infestations. Aphids reproduce quickly and this may need to be repeated every couple days for a couple weeks. Aphids have a mutually beneficial relationship with ants, so ants need to be controlled if aphids are to be controlled.
Ladybugs are a natural predator of aphids and can be used to control aphids.
If ladybugs are purchased, water the area well and release the ladybugs around sunset to discourage them from leaving. Our expert's suggestions should not be construed as medical opinions aimed at establishing a diagnosis or course of treatment. Individuals under active treatment should not construe information contained in this column as replacing or superseding recommendations of their clinicians. Our expert's suggestions should not be construed as legal opinions aimed at determining a course of legal action.