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The balsam twig aphid and Cinara aphid are very different types of pests. The BTA feeds on the developing shoots causing needle curl. Cinara aphids feed on trunks and branches, seldom damaging the tree, but causing a problem when they end up on the cut tree in the home.
Even though they are different, there are several good reasons to group these pests together when it comes to control.
Aphids are typically more of a problem when plants are fertilized excessively with nitrogen fertilizer. This is because the added nutrition is also a nutritional bonus for the pest. As Christmas trees near harvest and get larger, their nitrogen needs become greater and it is more important to maintain a good green color. In order to maintain high enough nitrogen levels and yet reduce the impact of nitrogen on aphid pests, consider splitting the nitrogen application between the spring and early fall
Ground covers supply habitat for natural predators. There are many predators that feed on aphids including lady beetle adults and larvae, hover fly larvae and lacewing larvae. The adult hover flies and lacewings feed on pollen and nectar and not pests. By keeping flowering ground covers around trees, and field borders to grow up in grasses and flowers that are allowed to bloom and go to seed, a habitat for these important predators is provided.
Aphids are common garden pests that can quickly infest and damage balsam plants. These tiny sap-sucking insects attach themselves to stems leaves and buds, draining plants of nutrients and causing distorted growth. Left uncontrolled, aphids can spread rapidly and stunt or kill balsam plants. Fortunately, there are several effective methods to get rid of aphids organically and prevent future infestations.
Identifying Aphids on Balsam Plants
The first step is learning how to identify aphids on balsam plants. Aphids are soft-bodied insects that come in a variety of colors like green, black, brown, red or white. They tend to cluster on the undersides of leaves or along stems and new shoots. Signs of an aphid infestation include:
- Curled, distorted leaves and stunted plant growth
- Presence of white cast skins that aphids shed as they grow
- Clusters of small, pear-shaped bugs on stems and foliage
- Sticky honeydew residue on leaves that attracts ants
- Deformed and undersized flowers or buds
Carefully inspect the undersides of leaves, buds, and new growth regularly to spot aphids early before extensive damage occurs. Scout for aphids daily when infestations are high.
Organic Ways to Control Aphids on Balsam Plants
Use Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps
Horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps are effective organic treatments for killing aphids on contact. These solutions work by penetrating the insect’s exoskeleton and suffocating them. Spray plants thoroughly, especially the undersides of leaves, to control heavy infestations. Make sure to cover buds, stems and new growth where aphids hide and feed. Repeat applications may be needed every 5-7 days. Do not apply oils or soaps during hot weather or when plants are stressed.
Apply Neem Oil
Extracted from the neem tree neem oil is a natural insecticide that kills aphids and other soft-bodied insects. It repels and disrupts the growth and reproduction of aphids. Mix neem oil with water according to label directions and spray infested plants including the undersides of leaves where aphids hide. Reapply weekly until aphids are under control. Neem oil also helps prevent fungal diseases.
Release Beneficial Predators
Releasing ladybugs, lacewings syrphid flies and other beneficial predators can help reduce aphid populations naturally. These predator insects eat aphids and other garden pests. Lacewings are especially attracted to balsam plants already infested with aphids. Maintaining diverse companion plants also supports healthy predator populations to keep aphids in check.
Use Organic Pesticides Selectively
As a last resort, use organic insecticides derived from plants or minerals judiciously to control heavy aphid infestations. Active ingredients like pyrethrin, azadirachtin, or potassium salts of fatty acids kill aphids on contact. Spot treat the most heavily infested areas of plants to limit collateral damage to beneficial insects. Avoid overusing pesticides to prevent resistance. Rotate different organic pesticides and use them selectively.
Prune Heavily Infested Parts
Prune away heavily infested stems, leaves, and buds to quickly reduce aphid populations. Dispose of the infested trimmings immediately in sealed bags to prevent spread. Sterilize pruners in a 10% bleach solution after each cut. Also prune away clusters of eggs. Pruning can slow aphid reproduction and limit damage while using other control methods.
Remove Ants and Clean Up Honeydew
Get rid of ants around plants, as they protect and spread aphids. Ants collect the sticky, sugary aphid honeydew excretions. Use sticky barrier bands around plant stems or ant baits to eliminate ants. Also wipe off honeydew buildup with water to prevent growth of sooty mold fungus.
Use Reflective Mulches
Spreading reflective silver mulch around plants can deter aphids from infesting by interfering with their feeding and reproduction. Plastic mulches also prevent weeds and conserve soil moisture. Cover beds with reflective silver mulch or place aluminum foil underneath individual potted balsam plants.
Rinse Off Plants With Water
Spray aphids off plants with a strong stream of water. This is less damaging than insecticides for minor or new infestations. Avoid damaging tender growth and flowers. Dislodge aphids from foliage using a hose-end sprayer on the “jet” setting. Repeat as needed until aphids are under control.
Preventing Aphids from Damaging Balsam Plants
Once aphids are eliminated, take preventive measures to avoid repeated infestations:
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Check balsam plants regularly for signs of aphids. Catch infestations early before they spread.
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Use row covers or garden fleece to exclude aphids from plants. Seal edges for best results.
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Apply kaolin clay sprays which deter aphid feeding and attachment to plants. Reapply after rain.
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Use companion plants like marigolds, nasturtiums and basil which help repel aphids.
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Avoid over-fertilizing plants with high nitrogen fertilizers that spur excess growth attractive to aphids.
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Remove and destroy severely infested plants to prevent aphids from spreading.
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Clean up weed species that host aphids throughout the year.
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Rotate balsam plants to different beds each year to interrupt aphid cycles.
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Spray plants with a strong jet of water weekly to prevent light infestations.
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Release predatory insects like lady beetles and green lacewings early in the season.
With vigilant monitoring and a combination of organic remedies, aphid infestations can be effectively controlled. By taking preventive measures and addressing light infestations quickly, balsam plants can flourish without damage from these destructive sap-sucking pests. Maintain diversity in the garden, avoid over-fertilization, and utilize beneficial insects to create a balanced ecosystem unfavorable to aphids.
When to Treat for Cinara Aphids
Cinara aphids attract predators because they live in large colonies. The aphid colony pictured here in May will certainly be gone by November. It is not necessary to control Cinara aphids in the spring and summer as they will not damage trees. However, if aphid colonies are found in blocks of trees to be harvested that year, many growers spot treat a few trees just to keep the population from potentially increasing in the fall.
It is recommended that all Fraser fir in western North Carolina be treated in the fall for Cinara aphids as a preventative treatment. Cinara aphids reproduce by having live young. Therefore even a few individual aphids at harvest may multiply rapidly in the home, causing a problem for the consumer. As the weather gets colder in the fall, many Cinara aphid colonies move lower into the tree, feeding on bottom branches where it is difficult to find them.
An important question is how early in the summer can you treat for Cinara aphids and get control. Most materials applied before August will not last long enough to control Cinara aphids. Treatments made in September and October should be sufficient to keep Cinara numbers from building back up unless there is a heavily infested block of trees close to the treated field.
When Chemical Control is Necessary
There is no reason to control BTA in young trees. If there is damage, the tree typically grows that much more the following year. Start treating for BTA the year before you will be cutting trees out of the block so that all trees will have two years of good growth when marketed.
However, even if BTA control is important because of the time in the rotation, it’s not necessary to get complete control. Studies have indicated that most consumers don’t view the needle curl associated with BTA as problematic when picking out their special tree. Most growers in western NC have indicated that they would market a tree that had 10% or more of the needles with curl. Therefore, 100% control of BTA is not necessary.
Damage that is found in the spring is typically gone by the time the foliage hardens off in the summer as long as there is enough rain for good shoot elongation.
These organic trees have never been treated in the spring for BTA, yet few trees have any damage. Organic growers of Fraser fir in western NC have found that if they do not treat for twig aphids, there is seldom much needle curl. There are enough predators to clean up the problem.
Foolproof Aphid Control and Prevention
FAQ
How to get rid of aphids on lilies?
Can you spray vinegar on plants to kill aphids?
Can a tree recover from aphids?
What is the best treatment for aphids?
How do I get rid of aphids in my garden?
The sooner you can deal with the infestation, the better chance you have of stopping the pests in their tracks and saving your plants from the point of no return. The safest and fastest method for how to get rid of aphids is to spray them off your plants with a strong stream of water from the garden hose.
Does spray kill aphids?
The spray doesn’t kill the aphids but it does knock them off of the plants. Knocking off the aphids is a fast, short-term solution. It removes more aphids than rubbing them off by hand. But it does so indiscriminately, so flowers and other desirable plant parts may be removed. Also, it can damage delicate leaves.
Can neem oil kill aphids?
“Neem oil disrupts the lifecycle of pests and can be effective against a variety of insects, including aphids,” Ivanov says. Start with a teaspoon of dish detergent in a gallon of lukewarm water. Mix well. Then, add a teaspoon of neem oil. Pour in the garden sprayer and liberally coat the plants.
Does vinegar kill aphids?
Unfortunately, it will also kill or damage your plants, so I don’t recommend using a vinegar spray for aphid control in the garden. Coffee grounds are usually touted as a cure-all when it comes to controlling garden pests like aphids, snails, and slugs, but truth is… there’s no truth to their pest-repelling power.