local
Managing aphids, a common garden insect
Summary by The Odessa Editorial Desk · Based on reporting by Guest Contributor , Odessa American (oaoa.com)
· July 19, 2026
· 3 min read
By Melinda Myers
If you garden, you have likely encountered aphids on trees, shrubs or other garden plants in your landscape. Identifiable by their small teardrop-shaped bodies with cornicles, the two tail pipe-like structures that protrude from their back end. They come in a variety of colors, w...
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Summary created by The Odessa Editorial Desk — automated, rule-governed Original reporting Guest Contributor, Odessa American (oaoa.com) Original story Read at the source Source published Jul 19, 2026 AI assistance Automated summary drawn from the source’s own published text Prepublication human review No — editorial rules, flagged-item review, and published samples
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Key takeaway Identifiable by their small teardrop-shaped bodies with cornicles, the two tail pipe-like structures that protrude from their back end.
Why this matters in The Odessa
For gardeners in Odessa, managing aphids is crucial to maintaining healthy plants and preventing the spread of diseases. The dry climate of the Permian Basin can make plants more susceptible to aphid infestations, which can quickly spiral out of control if left unchecked. As aphids feed on plant sap, they can transmit diseases that affect a wide range of plants, from cauliflower and cucumbers to trees and shrubs. Local gardeners should be vigilant in monitoring their plants for signs of aphid damage, such as bent and twisted leaves or a sticky substance on leaves and branches. By taking a proactive approach to managing aphids, gardeners can help prevent the spread of disease and promote healthy plant growth. Using natural methods, such as introducing predatory insects or spraying plants with water, can be an effective way to control aphid populations and maintain a balanced ecosystem in the garden.
About this story
Original reporting by Odessa American (oaoa.com) . The Odessa surfaces reporting from trusted publishers and adds local editorial context so readers can quickly understand what a story means for their community. We attribute every source, link to the original report, and follow a documented editorial standards policy. To understand how stories are selected and reviewed, read our about page .
For the complete original report, visit Odessa American (oaoa.com) . Have a tip or correction? Contact our newsroom .
Category: local ·
Published: July 19, 2026 ·
Source: Odessa American (oaoa.com) ·
Reading time: 3 min
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What is this story about? By Melinda Myers
If you garden, you have likely encountered aphids on trees, shrubs or other garden plants in your landscape. Identifiable by their small teardrop-shaped bodies with cornicles, the two tail pipe-like structures that protrude from their back end. They come in a variety of colors, w...
When was this published? This article was first published on July 19, 2026 by Odessa American (oaoa.com) and curated for The Odessa readers.
Who reported this story? This story was reported by Guest Contributor at Odessa American (oaoa.com). To learn more about how The Odessa selects and reviews stories, see our editorial standards .
Where can I find related coverage? See more local coverage from The Odessa, or browse our daily briefing and topic hubs .
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