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They’re Back….Aphid Sightings 
Aphids are small insects, typically less than 1/8 inch long. Colors range from bright orange or red to dull gray. Aphids feed on plants by sucking plant sap from the leaves, twigs or stems. When abundant, aphids remove large quantities of sap, reducing plant growth and vigor. On perennials, the most common symptom is leaf curl injuries. Populations of aphids have been found on irises already this spring. First check to see if any beneficial insects, such as lady beetles, green lacewings, parasitic wasps or syrphid flies, are present. Under many conditions, these beneficial insects provide effective control of aphids. There are a few non-chemical methods of controlling aphids on perennials plants. First try dislodging them with a strong jet of water, another effective method is to squeeze them between your fingers. If these methods don’t work then an insecticidal soap labeled for use on perennials has shown to be effective.
Calls into the Extension as well as personal observations tell us that ant colonies are active now. A couple of the more common ones homeowners can expect to see are Field ants and Pavement Ants. Field ants are among the most common ants found in homes and around buildings. They are generally dark brown or black and medium sized (3 to 7 mm) and nest in loose soil around rocks and foundations. They do not nest indoors but will forage indoors during early spring, before other ants are active. They also often collect honeydew and protect honeydew producing insects (aphids, leafhoppers) from their natural enemies.
Pavement ants are a recent arrival to the state but are currently the most common ant found in homes. They commonly make their nests around foundations, under rocks and in the cracks of sidewalks. Pavement ants are small (2.5 to 4mm) with a dark body, pale colored legs and antennae. For information on control of ants please refer to CSU factsheet #5.518.
Ips is a common group of bark beetles that infest pine and spruce trees. They rarely attack healthy trees. Most problems with ips occur to newly transplanted pines or when plants are under stress. Ips Beetles can be active now during warm periods and major flights are likely to have started by this time in the spring (late March to early April). Ips beetles develop under the bark and produce girdling tunnels that can cause dieback and kill trees. There are 11 different species of ips beetles that occur in Colorado. Please see factsheet #5.558 for more detailed information on the different species and management of them.
Now is the time to remove and destroy tree limbs and canes infested with borer larvae before the insects emerge. In the garden two common plants, other than trees, that tend to be affected by borers are roses and raspberries, cut back the infected canes back to healthy tissue, tissue that is white/creamy in color. Make sure to properly dispose of the infected canes.
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