The tiny insects have rounded bodies, with long antennae and 2 slender tubes extending from either side of their rear end. Depending on the species, they may be white, black, gray, green, yellow, or even pink. Some types appear to be covered with a fuzzy, cotton-like substance when viewed up close.  There are both flying and wingless species of aphids, making them even more of a nuisance to control. Some will grow wings once their current food source is degraded and fly onto greener pastures.  Aphids are a common pest in all parts of the globe, and have been known to infest almost any type of crop, tree, shrub, or flowering plant. Turn the leaves over and examine them closely to catch aphids in the act. Though small, they're typically visible to the naked eye. There's no better evidence that you have an aphid infestation on your hands than seeing them for yourself.  While aphids prefer to make a meal of the succulent leaves of fruits and vegetables, they'll happily feed on whatever they find growing. Even a small population of aphids can present a major problem for farmers and gardeners. Take note anytime your plants appear to be failing inexplicably. After long enough, the activity of hungry aphids can weaken or spread disease in once-healthy plants, causing them to look sickly.  Along with the more obvious symptoms of disease, you may be able to spot tiny bite marks along the edges or veins of the leaves. Aphids tend to flourish during the warmer summer months. When aphids eat the sap of healthy plants, they excrete a sticky substance known as “honeydew.” If the leaves of your plants are unusually slick and shiny, or seem to be covered in a thin mucus-like material, there's a good chance that there are aphids nearby.  Honeydew can also take on a dark brown or black coloration as mold and fungi begin to grow on it.  Hosing off your affected plants periodically will help wash away not only aphids themselves, but the residue they leave behind. Once every couple weeks, scan the plants in your garden from root to tip to look for galls. Galls are sites of swelling or abnormal growth that pop up on the outer surface of infested plants. They most often appear as a result of irritation due to insects like aphids feeding and laying eggs.  Galls may be accompanied by severe discoloration, making them look like dark raised bumps or mold spots. If left untreated, galls may leave the plant vulnerable to more serious diseases.
تعلم تمييز المن بالنظر. تفحص الجانب السفلي من أوراق النبات بحثًا عن الحشرات. انتبه للأوراق متغيرة اللون أو الملتفة. ابحث عن المغثر (مادة سكرية على أوراق النبات) لتعرف مصدر تغذية المن. انتبه لعفصات النبات.