Updated: July 20, 2023

Information from the University of Maryland Extension Landscape and Nursery IPM Report

In Maryland, spirea aphid (Aphis spiraecola) is active in May. Predators and parasites often collapse the populations as we move into June. In years of heavy populations, they can excrete a fair amount of honeydew on which sooty mold grows. This aphid is also reported on crabapple, apple, hawthorn, quince, and pear.

Control: If you must treat, try an insecticide with reduced or zero impact on beneficial organisms such as neem oil or horticultural oil.

Spirea aphids and cast skins are covering this spirea stem.

Lady bird beetle larva active on spirea that was infested with spirea aphids.

Multi-colored Asian lady bird adult feeding on spirea aphids along stem.

This assassin bug found on spirea flowers is a generalist predator.