The gathering storm: aphids breeding fast

This year, there has been a multitude of ‘gatherings’.

Based on my garden, and reports from other gardeners, it appears that the Aphis species is following suit and gathering in full force in gardens, glasshouses and polytunnels around the country. These sap-sucking insects feed on a wide range of plants and are one of the most common, and abundant, garden pests.

More commonly known as ‘greenfly’, ‘blackfly’ or ‘whitefly’, there are more than 400 different species of aphids. Some species are generalists and attack many types of plants, while others are specific to one or two plants.