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Aphids? #756179

Asked June 14, 2021, 4:11 PM EDT

These small, red bugs are all over this one variety of perennial (the yellow flower in one of the jpegs below). They are on 3 of these plants that are next to each other, but not on any other perennials - or those of the same type that are farther over in the garden. Can you identify the pests? Would you ID the plant too, if possible? What do you recommend I do for them? I have sprayed with a strong spray of water as recommended online, but assume an insecticidal soap might also a good idea. Would prefer to stay away from toxic chemicals. Thank you!

Washington County Vermont

Expert Response

Hi. These do seem to be aphids (of which there are many kinds), possibly the brown ambrosia aphid (https://apps.extension.umn.edu/garden/diagnose/insect/garden/beetles/small/aphid.html). Spraying them off with water is a standard recommendation. Because the water spray doesn't hit every aphid, you might have to spray daily for a while, even multiple times/day. (Aphids multiply rapidly!) Insecticidal soap, and other low risk pesticides can be used (see the link below). To be honest, if there are aphids on only three of those plants at this time, I would cut and carefully discard the affected stems!

I'm adding links to aphid information you might find useful:

https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids#using-pesticides-344413

https://www.uvm.edu/sites/default/files/Extension-Master-Gardener/BugBook.pdf

Trying to ID the yellow flowers - can you tell me if the photo is recent or from last summer? If recent, please send me a close up photo of a flower and its leaves. From what I can see, it looks like this is either in the Heliopsis family (aka False Sunflower) or the Helianthus family (Sunflowers).

I have sent a note to our pest expert, and if she has more to add, I will pass it on to you. I hope this helps!

-Juanita

An Ask Extension Expert Replied June 15, 2021, 10:53 AM EDT
Thank you Juanita,
You've been very helpful. I'm thrilled that the answer may lie in a daily, or twice daily spray of water. 
The photo of the yellow flowers was taken last August 8th. The buds are coming - which may be what is attracting the aphids, but they haven't bloomed yet. Considering the leaf formation, I think it's in the Heliopsis family. I appreciate you pointing me in the right direction.

Regards,
Betsy

On Tue, Jun 15, 2021 at 10:53 AM Extension Foundation <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
The Question Asker Replied June 15, 2021, 2:14 PM EDT

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