Woolly apple aphids seems to be an increasing problem with a growing number of fruit growers. One of the difficulties with this pest is that it has both an aboveground form that feeds like most other aphids and a subterranean form that feeds on the roots. Both need to be controlled. After consulting with a number of colleagues, I suggest growers consider some or all of these suggestions if woolly apple aphids are an ongoing problem.
- Make a pre-bloom application of Lorban.
- Make an application of Movento at petal fall/first cover. Movento will move down to the roots and help control that form of the pest. You may not see immediate results from this application. You may need to do this for several years before the results are obvious.
- Substitute diazinon for a cover spray at some point in the summer, probably when codling moth pressure is relatively low.
- Add 1% Saf-T-Side oil to some cover sprays if you are not using captan or Sevin.