Clusters of small, soft-bodied insects on shoots and leaves

Curled or distorted new leaves and buds

Sticky honeydew on leaves or surfaces

Sooty mould developing on honeydew

Presence of ants farming aphids for honeydew

Stunted plant growth and general decline

Aphids multiply rapidly in warm, sheltered environments — making them common in greenhouses, tunnels, houseplants, and outdoor crops during warmer months.

How Sticky Traps Help with Aphids

Sticky traps aren’t just for flying insects — they also help with aphids. While most aphids live on plants, winged aphids (alates) are responsible for spreading infestations. These flying forms are highly attracted to yellow sticky traps, where they become trapped and removed from the breeding cycle.

Benefits:

Catches winged aphids, stopping the spread to new plants

Monitors population and flight activity

Supports broader control efforts

Place traps vertically and within the plant canopy, where winged aphids tend to land. Use in greenhouses, on indoor plants, and in high-risk outdoor areas.

Combine with insecticidal soap sprays or biological controls like ladybirds and parasitic wasps (Aphidius colemani) for full effect.

Aphid Control: Best Practices

Introduce beneficial insects like ladybirds or lacewings

Spray with horticultural soap or neem oil

Remove heavily infested plant tips

Use yellow sticky traps to catch winged aphids

Avoid over-fertilising with nitrogen — it encourages soft, aphid-prone growth

Sticky traps work best as a monitoring and prevention tool — catching winged migrants before they can colonise new plants.