Big aphids advancing to Northeast Texas

February 7, 2002 -- By now, most East Texans have figured out, or already knew, what those large, black slow moving insects are that have infested the region - Giant Bark Aphids (the largest species of aphids).

But the question now is: "How much longer are they going to be around?"

Dr. James Robinson, Extension entomologist, stated, "Actually, around the Tyler and Overton area, aphids are beginning to decline, but some areas north, south and east of this location are just now beginning to see signs of the insect."

Robinson said it is going to take consist warm weather before the aphid population is to become dormant, probably around late March or early April. Before the warm up, Robinson noted some areas will continue to see large amounts of aphids on vegetable plants, houseplants, and ornamentals.

He continued by saying aphids are a natural cool weather insect - they are not uncommon this time of the year - but due to a decrease in natural enemies of this insect, which includes the lady beetle, the region appears to be experiencing an aphid outbreak.

"There is not a very large population of the aphid's natural enemies because, just like the weather, insect populations go in cycles, and we just happen to be experiencing a cycle of low insect numbers," he explained. "This is why we have more than the usual amount of aphids right now."

Since the beginning of December, Robinson said he has received numerous inquiries about these big groups of large insects that are being found on trees, cars, and other surfaces, as well as indoors on occasion.

Robinson explained the big black insects most people are seeing are only a portion of the aphids that are around right now. He said there are actually a few different types of Giant Bark Aphids. The black ones are most attracted to water oak trees. But he said there are also some aphids that are grayish in color and these are commonly found on pine trees. There are also some aphids that have a more brownish tone. He said in addition to different colors, there are also variations of sizes.

The specialist said aphids are usually not damaging to trees. He said they do produce a clear, sticky liquid called honeydew, which can fall off of trees and onto cars or other objects, but it can be easily washed off.

Control measures are normally not needed, but, if found on very young trees, or valuable trees with large concentrations of them, these insects can be controlled with insecticides labeled for controlling aphids.

In reference to other things East Texans may experience with insects as springtime approaches, Robinson said this is hard to predict, but theorizes that grasshoppers are not going to be the nuisance they have been in recent years due to significant amounts of rainfall and decreased drought conditions.

He concluded by adding, "There is also an increase in black flies (buffalo gnats) around the Sulphur River, also due to more-than-adequate moisture."