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Cypress aphid

Cypress aphid, a + 2.5 mm aphid occurs on conifers.

recognize cypress aphid
Cypress aphid on a Thuja, photo: Carlos Delgado - CC BY-SA 3.0

Cypress aphid (Cinara cupressi). These + 2.5 mm aphids occur on conifers. The aphids are not noticeable due to their gray-brown camouflage color. Aphids are present throughout the year with a peak in spring and fall. They secrete honeydew that turns black due to sooty mold. The female lays eggs on branches in the fall that hatch in the spring. The eggs hibernate on the branches and among the needles.
The cypress aphid originated in the Middle East and has since spread across Europe and Africa.
The cypress aphid lives off plant sap that it sucks from branches. This causes the greenery on the branches to yellow. If the infestation is severe, the conifer may die.

Where to find

Control

The aphids can be sprayed away with a hard jet of water. Also spray the inside of the conifer. Often this treatment must be performed several times before the cypress aphids are gone.

Prevention

Provide a bird-friendly environment: birds eat aphids.