Garden Help: Tips for controlling insects emerging in spring that can harm plants

Aphids and Florida wax scale are some of the pests to watch for. Numbers build up quickly this time of year because many of the beneficial insects that help keep these numbers in check get a slower start.

Aphids are always one of the first insects to emerge, taking advantage of succulent new plant growth. Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that are pear-shaped with two short cornicles (points) at the rear of their bodies. Depending on the type, they may be pink, black, brown, yellow, blue or white. Aphids feed on new growth so are often clustered under new leaves. Because of their piercing sucking mouthparts that are used to extract plant juices, the leaves will pucker and curl. While feeding, they excrete a sugary material called honeydew, which provides the growing medium for a black fungus called sooty mold. Aphids are easily controlled with many different products, but try using one such as an insecticidal soap or neem oil, that is a little easier on beneficial insects .

Florida wax scale is a soft scale that produces honeydew, a substrate for sooty mold. Typically homeowners don't notice their plants have scale until the plants turn black. Then homeowners usually begin spray treatments for a fungus. Fungicides will not work to control this pest, so don't waste your money. Florida wax scale is a common pest on citrus, and many ornamental plants like Indian hawthorn and holly. The adult scale looks like a glob of white wax with a pinkish or dingy tint. Eggs are pink to red and can be found underneath the waxy covering.

As spring arrives, eggs hatch into nymphs or crawlers. Crawlers are pink and have tiny star-like appendages along the edge, which make them rather ornate. Look for these crawlers along the midribs and veins of leaves; this is the time to get rid of them. There are many products on the market that are effective. Horticultural and neem oil are good Florida-Friendly control options.

For more information on natural products for insect pest management, go to http://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/in197

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