‘Invasive’ white bugs are swarming the Southeast and sticking to windshields, annoying residents
What are woolly aphids, and why are they swarming the Southeast?
- Woolly aphids, small white fuzzy insects, are currently thriving across the southeastern U.S., particularly in Tennessee and Alabama.
- Their increased presence is attributed to prolonged warm weather, which allows them to reproduce for longer periods.
- While harmless to humans and pets, these aphids are a nuisance, sticking to vehicles and leaving behind a sticky 'honeydew' that causes black sooty mold.
- The insects feed on plant sap, and their honeydew can lead to unsightly sooty mold on trees and other surfaces, potentially causing long-term stress for some plants like hackberry trees.
- Experts anticipate their numbers will naturally decline as temperatures fall, though pesticides or cleaning affected items can help manage the issue.