Aphid explosion in Alberta creates sticky situation

Aphids are creating a messiness successful galore Calgary yards this twelvemonth arsenic their sticky honeydew (which isn’t arsenic pleasant arsenic it sounds) gets connected plants, pavement and pets.

Aphids are mini soft-bodied insects that provender connected sap collected from character and works leaves.

The infestation successful galore parts of nan metropolis has been brought connected by a bedewed outpouring and a hot, sunny summer, says John Swann, a Calgary entomologist.

Swann says they’re harmless but disgusting successful its ain way.

When aphids are present, Swann says ants usually aren’t acold behind. They fundamentally workplace nan aphids.

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“They will really take sides nan aphids because they are really dairy cows for nan ants.”

The aphids besides pull ladybugs — but that’s a different story

“Ladybugs are predators; see them for illustration a wolf aliases a carnivore to an aphid.”

Swann says a prolonged hot, barren spell, for illustration what Calgary is experiencing now, will yet extremity nan onslaught.

The bully news: nan bugs really aren’t usually harmful to immoderate plants successful your yard.