The infestation process begins as winged adult aphids come in from their winter hideaways (usually the craggy bark of nearby trees) during early spring when weather is warm enough to allow their flight and migration, and this can be very early in the season.

What is the cause of aphids?

On healthy plants, these common insects don't cause much harm and beneficial insects such as ladybugs help reduce their numbers. Aphids become more of a problem when things get out of whack, usually when plants are stressed by drought, poor soil conditions, or overcrowding.

Where do aphids on plants come from?

In spring the eggs on the plant (primary host) hatch, leading to the first generation of aphids. All the aphids born from the winter eggs are females. Several more generations of female aphids are born during the spring and summer. A female can live for 25 days, during which time she can produce up to 80 new aphids.