Woolly aphid colonies are readily visible and visual inspection of the orchard is the main monitoring method.
- The aphid is collected by beating and this can indicate when low populations are present which have otherwise been missed.
- A sample of at least 25, preferably 50, trees should be inspected for the pest in early June.
- A specific inspection for this pest should be made.
- It is too easy to miss the obvious.
- The presence of colonies on the current year’s extension growth is the critical factor and the economic threshold is normally considered to be 2 trees in a sample of 50 with aphids on the current year’s growth.