Do fairies exist? That’s a question for you and your children to decide. So, what are these little fuzzy white flying things that sometimes appear to be floating pollen or cotton? One of over 4000 different kinds of aphids that might infest your garden is the woolly aphid. These aphids are distinct in appearance from other kinds.
The tiny size of these insect pests, which may range between a quarter and half-inch long, is comparable to that of all aphids. They are similar to their relatives in that they suction out the sap from plants.
Fairy Fly, also known as Fairy Bugs or fairy flies, are one of the most widespread and abundant aphids in North America and some parts of the world. If you are one of ours readers from across the pond (these are very rare in the UK) then this is for you!
Do they harm gardens and grass? More importantly, in some circumstances, they may be an enormous help when it comes to lawn care maintenance. Let’s read on and find out!
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Table of Contents
Woolly Aphid Name and Origin
The Eriosomantinae subspecies is known as the Greek name Eriosomantinae. It means “woolly body” in Greek. There are numerous species in the woolly aphid family, but only one is widespread in the United States. The primary host of this species is hawthorn and apple trees. They have a waxy white filament that helps them blend in with their surroundings. The fuzzy white fluff allows them to ride on wind currents and drift to new locations.
The woolly aphid is a fascinating and entertaining insect to observe, especially if you have children. However, when it comes to plant health, they have a darker side. The white fluff balls drink tree sap otherwise known as honeydew, leaving a tiny hole behind in the tree. They then float about freely before landing where the wind takes them, spreading something called sooty mold in the process.
What Damage Do Woolly Aphids Cause?
Fortunately, their populations are typically quite small and do little harm.
In the worst-case scenario, fairy flies can cause plants to wilt and die. The white fluff isn’t just for show; it’s a protective coating that camouflages tiny black wings underneath. When ants go in search of food (Ants are drawn to the accretion of wax and honeydew, as well as their delicious, gooey excrement.), woolly aphid fairy bugs flee from them by simply flying away.
Their diet is primarily composed of plant sap called phloem juice, which they suck out using an organ known as a piercing-sucking mouthpart or “stylets”. In large quantities, these insects may reduce all vegetation within sight to nubs along with any fruit on trees such as apple or pear trees. Any other plant life will inevitably be damaged if not killed entirely due to their feeding habits over time.
Signs of Wooly Aphid Damage
- The leaves on the plant have yellowed.
- The leaves curl as they grow.
- Plants were discolored, with a black soot or mold-like substance on them
- Plants suffering from powdery mildew
How do you get rid of wooly aphids naturally?
To keep aphids and other pests under control throughout the season, maintain an integrated pest management plan (IPM). IPM is a strategy for fighting pests from all angles.
Healthy Plants Repel Pests
Keeping your plants in excellent health is one of the most effective ways to keep aphids at bay. Make sure the nutrients in the soil are maintained in balance, and avoid having an overabundance of nitrogen in the soil because this attracts aphids.
Use natural, organic fertilizers such as fish emulsion, decomposed manure, compost, liquid seaweed, or other natural materials that release over time. This helps to maintain a consistent equilibrium and avoid nitrogen spikes.
Groom Plants Regularly
During the middle of the growing season, perform significant pruning. Pruning is a great technique to get rid of aphids naturally. Trim lightly during the winter months and early spring.
Encourage Natural Enemies and Predators
For the same reason, deadhead blooming plants stimulate additional growth.
The most beneficial plants are the ones with the most flowers, which encourages the presence of:
- Praying mantis – nature’s terminator
- Parasitic wasps
- Ladybugs (aphid killers)
- Hoverflies (aphid lovers)
- Lacewings (aphid monsters)
Minimize Treatment
When you come upon a group of woolly aphids, use neem oil or insecticidal soap spray or even natural vinegar spray for those bugs that look like fairies. Prune away the infested branches and dispose of them carefully if you have a serious infestation. Place the afflicted branches in a plastic bag and seal it up for collection on garbage day or burn them.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
Chemical treatments should be used only when absolutely needed. Keep in mind that these chemicals may also harm or kill your predatory insect and beneficial insect population.
The following are some alternative pesticides that are known to be effective against aphids:
- Bifenthrin
- Carbaryl
- Imidacloprid
- Malathion
- Permethrin
- Pyrethrum
In most cases, woolly aphids can be dealt with in a very local way since they are usually quite small and congregate in groups. When woolly aphids and other aphids first appear, that’s the best moment to handle them.
Check plants carefully early in the season. Treat the fairy insect on a small scale by wiping them off with a paper towel soaked in rubbing alcohol or dousing them with water. Woolly aphids can be prevented and controlled by taking precautions at the start.
Why Fairy Bugs Can Be Good For The Lawn
While they may spread disease between plants, they also have a redeeming feature – they are extremely anti-social insects. When the female lays her eggs among those of other insects, she eats the eggs surrounding her. Frequently there are flies, leaf-hoppers, and weevil eggs.
On average, little was known about these tiny creatures since they are difficult to study. However, distinct forms may be found all around the world.
Will woolly aphids kill my tree?
The aphid family, including woolly aphids, generally congregate together and feed on plants. They can be seen feeding on leaves, buds, twigs, and branches as well as bark and even roots. Even though this does not always harm or damage the plant itself, eliminating the aphids and their honeydew will aid in the restoration of your tree. The aphids are known to be vectors for plant viruses, which can cause additional problems.
Are woolly aphids harmful?
Woolly aphids aren’t poisonous or harmful to humans, yet they’re considered a serious annoyance because of what woolly aphids produce – honeydew. Stylets on the mouthparts of woolly aphids allow them to feed on plant fluids.
Asian woolly hackberry aphids
The widely cultivated Chinese hackberry (Celtis sinensis) and other Celtis species are infested by an imported woolly aphid (Shivaphis celti), sometimes called Asian woolly hackberry aphid. This hackberry woolly aphid is also found in Florida to Texas, as well as north into Illinois. It’s also been reported in much of Asia.
Woolly aphids bite?
Fairy Bugs and other aphids cannot bite humans because they do not have the necessary mouthparts. Because of their feeding mechanism and structure, they are unable to bite humans. This happens most frequently when a human smells like a plant since the aphid will mistake it for a source of nectar and attempt to suck the sap out of him or her.
