Root aphid problem. What has worked for you?

[Jhervi]

Hi Yall,

With various different products on the market, I wanted to see what yall were using to rid your bonsai of aphids? Did it work? I understand that most people use preventative measures before a problem occurs, but sadly I overlooked this and now a few of my trees have a small root aphid infestation.

I was watering my japanese maples this morning and noticed an aphid feeding on some new foliage on the lower end of the trunk. I dug down in the soil a little bit and found more aphids crawling around. I don't think its gotten out of hand yet, but I have noticed recently that all my acer palmatum maples have had spots of there new growth eaten away. Same with my trident maple. They are looking a bit sad/stressed. Any advice, recommendations, or input is appreciated

 

[fredman]

I just use neem oil or lightly soapy water. They are such soft body creatures, it don't take much to control them.

 

[BonsaiDTLA]

Withholding water enough so that the soil or substrate dries out almost completely between watering can help a lot to eliminate the little buggers

 

[Jhervi]

I just use neem oil or lightly soapy water. They are such soft body creatures, it don't take much to control them.

Thanks, I will definitely try it out. Will it help rid aphids that are in the soil as well?

 

[Jhervi]

Withholding water enough so that the soil or substrate dries out almost completely between watering can help a lot to eliminate the little buggers

Gotcha. So they like when the soil is moist. I will try it out as well. I dont think the infestation is out of control yet. It was a bit alarming to see them crawling around in the soil though since I have noticed my trees looking a bit stressed this past week.

 

[fredman]

Thanks, I will definitely try it out. Will it help rid aphids that are in the soil as well?

I don't know mate. I've never had them in the soil...not that i'm aware of anyways.
TBH I don't have much knowledge about them as i've not had bad infestations yet. I try to stay on top of anything as soon as I see it...only using natural means.

 

[Shibui]

Contact pesticides like oils do not affect the bugs in the soil. Those treatments will only kill the aphids it touches above ground.
The only way I have been able to get rid of below ground pests is with a systemic pesticide. That spreads right through the tree, including the roots so will kill all pests that suck on the tree roots, leaves or branches.

 

[NOZZLE HEAD]

I really like imidacloprid for aphid control. It provides really consistent control, and lasts a long time inside the plant. It is effective against root aphids if used as a drench.

It is not available as an option everywhere, and is restricted to pesticide license holders elsewhere.

 

[sorce]

I believe @wireme has used nematodes to combat root aphids, but it could be a different pest I'm thinking of.

Sorce

 

[sorce]

Root Aphids, up close and personal

I discovered root aphids on one of my trees. This means, of course, that I've got them on all my trees. I'm treating the problem with beneficial nematodes. Before they're gone, I shot the following video using a digital microscope. Enjoy!

www.bonsainut.com

Sorce