What is a common pest that landscape contractors must manage?

Aphids are a common pest that landscape contractors must manage due to their prevalence in gardens and landscapes. These small, soft-bodied insects feed on plant sap, which can weaken plants and lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and overall plant decline. Aphids can reproduce quickly and in large numbers, making them a significant pest during the growing season.

Contractors need to be vigilant because aphids can also transmit plant viruses and attract other pests, such as ants, that are drawn to the honeydew secreted by aphids. Effective management often involves a combination of cultural, mechanical, and chemical controls, including introducing natural predators like ladybugs, using insecticidal soaps, or applying systemic insecticides when infestations are severe.

Other options, like beetles and ants, can also be common in landscapes but do not have the same widespread impact on plant health as aphids. Rabbits are more of a concern for specific types of damage, such as nibbling on plants, but they are not as frequent as aphids in terms of a pest that needs ongoing management throughout the growing season. Thus, understanding the specific characteristics and management needs of aphids is essential for landscape contractors to ensure the health and vitality of landscaped areas.