Why there are so many aphids this year, and what to do about them

• A surge in aphids is being observed in gardens across the UK.
• Warm spring weather has facilitated rapid aphid colony growth, with some species previously confined to glasshouses now appearing outdoors.
• Dr. Stephanie Bird from RHS notes that while aphid populations are expected this time of year, their numbers have increased, with 2025 being dubbed “the year of the aphid”.
• Aphids can cause distorted plant growth and leave sticky excretions, but they are unlikely to kill established plants, and the RHS advises tolerating them where possible.
• Gardeners are advised to avoid pesticides, which harm biodiversity, and instead use methods like squashing colonies by hand or planting pollinator-friendly plants to encourage natural aphid predators.

IN FULL

These sap-sucking insects are rife in UK gardens. Here’s how to combat them