4 (1 = rare 5 = annual)

2 (1 = very little damage 5 = plants killed)

Spirea and crabapple.

Shrub

• Japanese Spirea (Spiraea japonica)
• Vanhoutte Spirea (Spiraea x vanhouttei)

Tree

• Crabapple (Malus species and hybrids)

Spirea aphid is found in every state on spireas and crabapples. The aphid occurs in large numbers and its feeding often causes the leaves to distort, curl and pucker. The aphid has a dark head and thorax while the abdomen is pale green. Particularly on spirea, large amounts of honeydew, and corresponding sooty mold growing on it, is produced.

During warm weather, the aphid gives birth to live young that are all females. The new aphids can soon produce their own live young. In northern states, as cooling weather and shortening days occur, the aphids are born in a sexual state and lay eggs that overwinter on any spirea that is available. Overcrowding causes the aphid to give birth to winged aphids so that they can fly to other branches and plants.

Heavy rains can wash the aphids off the plants resulting in their deaths. Occasionally in Illinois (usually during hot, humidweather) a fungus will attack and kill the aphids. In addition many predators feed on aphids.

Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide
The Home, Yard & Garden Pest Guide (C1391) provides is written for homeowners and other residents and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations for controlling pests associated with trees, shrubs, turf, flowers, groundcovers, vegetables, fruit, and houses. In addition, you'll find detailed information about integrated pest management, pesticide safety, and pesticide application and calibration techniques. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "C1391").
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Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook
The Illinois Commercial Landscape and Turfgrass Pest Management Handbook (ICLT) is written for professional applicators and provides nonchemical and current chemical recommendations as well as application timing information for all major pests of turf, woody ornamentals and herbaceous ornamentals. This publication may be purchased at your local University of Illinois Extension Unit office, or by calling 800-345-6087, or by placing an order online (search for "ICLT").
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U of IL - Distance Diagnosis through Digital Imaging
A free plant, weed, insect and disease identification service available through your local University of Illinois Extension office. Center Educators or State Specialists review & respond to information and digital images submitted by local Extension office personnel. Some samples may require further examination or culture work (nominal fee involved) at the U of IL Plant Clinic.
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U of IL - Plant Clinic
Services include plant and insect identification, diagnosis of disease, insect, weed and chemical injury (chemical injury on field crops only), nematode assays, and help with nutrient related problems, as well as recommendations involving these diagnoses. Microscopic examinations, laboratory culturing, virus assays, and nematode assays are some of the techniques used in the clinic.
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