Why there are so many aphids this year, and what to do about them
A surge in aphids is being observed in gardens across the UK.
Warm spring weather has facilitated rapid aphid colony growth, with some species previously confined to glasshouses now appearing outdoors.
Dr. Stephanie Bird from RHS notes that while aphid populations are expected this time of year, their numbers have increased, with 2025 being dubbed 'the year of the aphid'.
Aphids can cause distorted plant growth and leave sticky excretions, but they are unlikely to kill established plants, and the RHS advises tolerating them where possible.
Gardeners are advised to avoid pesticides, which harm biodiversity, and instead use methods like squashing colonies by hand or planting pollinator-friendly plants to encourage natural aphid predators.
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