Cherry trees are susceptible to infestations of black aphids, which can stunt growth and damage foliage. Getting rid of black cherry aphids requires persistence and employing multiple control tactics. But with the right approach, you can protect your cherry trees and keep them growing strong.
Recognizing Black Cherry Aphids
Black cherry aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that feed on the sap from cherry tree leaves and shoots. Adults reach 1-2 mm in length and are shiny black or dark brown They congregate on the underside of leaves and along stems, forming dense colonies that look like little black eggs
Signs of a black cherry aphid infestation include:
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Curled, distorted, yellowing leaves
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Sticky honeydew secretions coating leaves
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Sooty black mold on leaves from honeydew
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Dieback of shoots and stunted new growth
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Presence of ants which tend aphids for honeydew
Routine monitoring under leaves allows early detection so treatment can start before extensive damage occurs.
Why Get Rid of Black Cherry Aphids?
Though not typically fatal, unchecked aphid populations can seriously impair the health and appearance of cherry trees. Effects of heavy black cherry aphid infestations include:
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Reduced fruit yields due to loss of foliage
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Dieback of shoots and branches
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Stunted growth and decline in tree vigor
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Leaf drop and potentially defoliation
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Encroachment of sooty mold which blocks sunlight
Keeping black aphid numbers in check is key to maintaining attractive, productive cherry trees.
Effective Control Methods
Horticultural Oils and Insecticidal Soaps
Applying lightweight horticultural oils or insecticidal soaps directly on aphid colonies smothers and kills them while sparing beneficial insects. Thorough coverage of leaf undersides is key.
Neem Oil
The organic neem oil spray damages the waxy coating and soft bodies of aphids. It deters feeding and disrupts reproduction. Drench all plant surfaces and repeat applications.
Natural Predators
Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial predators feed on black cherry aphids. Attract them by avoiding broad-spectrum insecticides. You can also purchase them and release into your trees.
Foliar Fungicide Sprays
Apply sulfur-based fungicides to discourage the sooty mold that grows on the honeydew secretions left by aphids. Prevent the mold from blocking sunlight to leaves.
High-Pressure Water Sprays
Aim a strong stream of water directly at aphid colonies to physically knock them off the leaves and branches. Repeat regularly to disrupt their feeding and reproduction.
Insect Growth Regulator Sprays
IGR products like azadirachtin disrupt the molting process of juvenile aphids, preventing maturation and reproduction. They offer long-term control with low toxicity.
Combining several methods is most effective for controlling heavy black cherry aphid infestations. Always follow label directions when using pesticides.
Preventing Future Black Cherry Aphid Infestations
While getting rid of existing aphids is crucial, prevention is also key to protect cherry trees over the long-term.
Inspect Trees Frequently
Check undersides of leaves at least twice weekly and treat any aphids immediately before colonies grow large. Early intervention is vital.
Encourage Beneficial Insects
Plant nectar-rich flowers and avoid broad-spectrum insecticides so natural aphid predators thrive in your landscape.
Apply Dormant Oil Sprays
Coating branches with horticultural dormant oil in late winter smothers overwintering aphid eggs before they hatch.
Use Reflective Mulch
Silver reflective mulch repels aphids and other pests while deterring weeds, conserving moisture, and preventing trunk damage from mowers and trimmers.
Keep Trees Healthy
Aphids target stressed trees. Ensure proper watering, pruning, fertilization, and sunlight to maintain vigor.
Monitor for Ants
Ants tend and protect aphids for their honeydew secretions. Apply sticky barriers around trunks to exclude ants.
With preventative care and early intervention at the first signs of infestation, you can help protect your cherry trees from damage due to black cherry aphids. Be vigilant and take action promptly to nip any outbreaks in the bud.
Managing Black Cherry Aphids
The best way to get rid of black cherry aphids is to protect and encourage lady beetles, syrphid flies, lacewing larvae, parasitic wasps, and soldier beetles to live in your garden. If possible, avoid broad-spectrum insecticides, which are harmful to beneficial insects, including bees. Malathion and Diazinon should only be used as a last resort to get rid of black cherry aphids. Watch trees closely when buds are appearing in late winter. Putting yellow sticky cards on different parts of the tree will quickly show you how bad the black cherry aphid problem is. Take care of aphids better before the leaves curl, and a strong stream of water might help get rid of the bugs. If you have a lot of black cherry aphids, early spring is also the best time to spray them with horticultural oil, a natural substance that kills them as they hatch. Bug-killing soap can also be sprayed on the trees, but don’t do this when it’s very hot or when bees are around. Evening is the safest time to apply insecticidal soap sprays. You may need to reapply the soap two or three times to gain control.
Signs of Black Cherry Aphids
Black cherry aphids are easy to spot. They are shiny, metallic black, and at 1/8 inch (3 mm. ), are quite a bit larger than most aphids. The pests come out of eggs that were stored in the bark over the winter. The eggs hatch as soon as the spring buds start to open. Mature black cherry aphids may be winged or wingless. Large colonies of black cherry aphids develop quickly, with two or three generations appearing by midsummer. By this time, the pests have usually moved on to other foods, mostly weeds and mustard-family plants. The aphids return to the trees in autumn to mate and lay eggs. Black cherry aphids can be found when leaves are curled and twisted and there is a lot of sticky “honeydew” on the cherries and leaves. The honeydew often attracts black sooty mold, which can render the fruit inedible.
Black aphids on cherry
FAQ
What is a natural remedy for black cherry aphids?
How do I get rid of black aphids permanently?
What is the best spray for aphids on cherry trees?
Can black aphids kill a tree?
How do you get rid of black cherry aphids?
Delayed dormant applications of oil and insecticides applied to control other cherry pests usually control the black cherry aphid. Aphid natural enemies including syrphid flies, lacewings, and lady beetles are often abundant enough to control this species.
What are black cherry aphids?
These pests are easy to spot. Black Cherry Aphids are shiny, metallic black, and 0.3cm long. They are bigger than most aphids. Mature black aphids may be winged or wingless. If you see curled, distorted leaves and sticky, black ‘honeydew’ on fruits and leaves your tree is housing these pests.
How do you know if a cherry tree has aphids?
The aphids return to the trees in autumn to mate and lay eggs. Signs of black cherry aphids include curled, distorted leaves and a large amount of sticky “ honeydew ” on cherries and leaves. The honeydew often attracts black sooty mold, which can render the fruit inedible.
Are cherry aphids a problem?
While growing cherry trees may seem straightforward, they may face certain difficulties, such as the persistent aphids that feed on their sap. Yet, this obstacle can be overcome. Cherry aphids are a nuisance for cherry tree growers the world over, so what can you do to keep them off your tree?