Aphids, Scales and Mites On Home Garden and Landscape Plants

Bruce A. Barrett
Department of Entomology
Some of the most commonly encountered arthropod pests found on plants are those that feed on plant juices, i.e. sap-sucking pests. These pests all have needlelike "piercing-sucking" mouthparts that allow them to puncture plant tissue and remove sap or cell contents. Examples of sucking pests include aphids, scales, mites, leafhoppers and plant bugs. Some of these pests can also act as vectors of plant diseases.

Sucking pests usually are small and delicate in appearance. Many species cover their bodies with waxy or wool-like substances. They usually are found in great numbers, covering foliage, twigs or whole stems. Typical plant damage associated with sucking pests includes wilted leaves or stems, dying branches and reduced growth.

The purpose of this publication is to discuss the damage, biology and control of three commonly occurring groups of sucking pests found on home garden and landscape plants: aphids, scales and mites.

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