Where Do Aphids Lay Eggs?

Most aphid eggs are seen on the underside of leaves. These invasive insects lay eggs on leaves where they aren’t exposed to predation.

Some aphid species are also known to lay eggs elsewhere. This includes the soil next to a plant or flower as well as in nearby vegetation. It’s believed atypical aphid egg-laying is tied to quick hatching that doesn’t require as much sheltering.

Aphids lay eggs on the underside of plant and flower leaves. Eggs are also laid on tree bark, in flower buds, and on the grass to a lesser extent. Most aphid eggs are laid on the leaves of plants emerging aphids eat.

Aphids are known for laying eggs on plant leaves. Other places for laying eggs are considered exceptions and are somewhat debatable in the scientific community.

Various types of aphids might lay eggs in various places. This is why it can be difficult to precisely locate the eggs for all aphid species.

Aphid eggs tend to be seen on more leaves whenever plants grow in dry soil. Too many plants in a small perimeter also show more aphid eggs on the underside of leaves compared to spaced-out plants.

Most common places where aphids lay eggs

The eggs of aphids are mostly tied to the underside of leaves where most people see them. These insects also lay eggs in other locations which are less visible but which still exist:

The underside of plant leaves

The underside of leaves is where aphids lay eggs. They prefer this location as newly-emerged aphids can proceed to drink the juices of the plants without having to move (aphids are known to be slow-moving).

Tree bark

Aphids also lay eggs on tree bark. Eggs here aren’t visible when on tree bark unless vividly colored. Trees next to various plants are preferred for their proximity.

Plant stems

Some aphids lay so many eggs they don’t all fit on the underside of plant leaves. This is why they might be laid on plant stems as well.

How to recognize aphid eggs on plant leaves?

Aphid eggs are very small circular elongated soft structures similar to a grain of rice. Narrow or round at the ends, aphid eggs can be yellow, brown, green, or gray. They are laid individually at a close distance or in clusters.

Aphid eggs are spread out on the underside of leaves. They aren’t visible to people looking at the plant from above without turning over plant leaves.

Which aphids lay eggs on plant leaves?

Most aphids are known for laying eggs on the underside of leaves. This is where up to a few hundred eggs can be found. Many species of aphids similarly lay eggs.

Cabbage aphids

Cabbage aphids are known as invasive species for cabbage, cauliflower, and broccoli. These aphids are known for laying eggs on the underside of brassica leaves.

Which aphids don’t lay eggs on plant leaves?

Other types of aphids are known for laying eggs elsewhere. Other locations for eggs might be exclusive or used in combination with the underside of leaves.

Cherry aphids

Cherry aphids are common across the US. These aphids are known for mostly laying eggs on tree bark. They can also lay eggs on the underside of tree leaves during the summer.

Rose aphids

Rose aphids have been shown to lay eggs on rose stems. These eggs are known to eat through the stems to the extent the rose plant can no longer survive.

Are aphid eggs bad for plants?

Aphid eggs are seen as a threat to plants. While they aren’t affecting plant health, aphid eggs can hatch and start to suck plant juices.

Plants can still be saved when there are only eggs on them as these can be removed. Once eggs hatch the new aphids begin eating the plant.

Can aphid eggs be removed?

Regardless of their location, aphid eggs can be prevented entirely if you act soon. If you know aphids can return to your garden you can try one of the following solutions to keep them from laying eggs and multiplying quickly.

Aphid eggs can be killed with soap and water

Soap and water are sprayed on plants to kill aphids and aphid eggs. Soap erodes and kills aphid eggs. The problem with this mix is that too much soap also kills plants. Using a smaller soap quantity and a large water quantity is recommended.

Plant spices

Basil and mint are known to deter aphids. These can be planted around the garden to deter aphids and to stop them from laying eggs.

The lifecycle of aphids can be used to know when to plant these deterring plants. Aphid eggs can overwinter on plants and hatch in the spring. You can plant these deterring plants as soon as you notice aphid eggs on the underside of plant leaves.

Use ladybugs

Farmers and those into serious gardening can consider more lucrative solutions against aphid eggs. Introducing ladybugs is known to eliminate all aphids.

Ladybugs eat aphids and since there are no aphids there are no eggs on the plants either. Ladybugs can also be replaced by wasps. For example, Braconid wasps are known to exclusively feed on aphids and aphid eggs.

Summary

Aphids are known to lay eggs around plants and plant leaves. They prefer to lay eggs on the underside of plant leaves.

Some aphids are also known for laying eggs on tree bark. Aphids that live on flowers may also lay eggs on stems as well as on the underside of leaves.

Controlling aphids is required to control their eggs as well. Reducing aphid populations is normally done by spraying chemicals such as insecticide on a commercial level.

Spices and water or soap and water can be sprayed on plants to control aphids and to kill their eggs in home gardens.

Aphid eggs hatch within 8 days. It’s best to act quickly as mature aphids can lay up to a few eggs per day. Aphids live up to a month which means each female can lay hundreds of eggs either on the same plant or on multiple plants.