The garden is teeming with little critters called insects. Most are benign and there are many more good ones than there are bad ones. The problem is that we only think about the bad ones and often our actions make things worse.

Most likely the worst problem we encounter in early spring is aphids. They like it cooler so they often fade as a problem in hotter weather. They also are favored by timely moisture. Thus one needs to think about aphids more if one has a cooler damp spring.

One source I read suggests that there are over 4,000 species of aphids worldwide. There are not all in my garden but I often see green ones, rosy ones, brown ones and yellow ones. Each species has its favorite plants.

Aphids have piercing, sucking mouthparts that feed on young stems. As they feed they excrete a sugary juice that often leads to the growth of sooty mold and an unsightly appearance. This honeydew also attracts ants. That's not a problem, but seeing ants is often an indicator that aphids are present.

Huge populations may damage growing tips, distort leaves, cause yellowing and stunt growth but the biggest danger from aphids is that they spread virus and other diseases.

In general aphids have a normal sex life but as their population soars only females exist. They bear live young quite rapidly. Another feature is that in large populations winged aphids appear. I guess they are like us and prefer to escape the crowds and head for the countryside.

Sufficient control can be obtained with insecticidal soaps. You can buy them commercially or make your own with a ten per cent solution of most liquid dishwasher soaps. Horticultural oils also work well early. Be careful with oils in hot weather. If you have fruit trees the spring oil spray is the most important spray for insects including aphids.

Of course there are other stronger chemicals which can be used. Thought is needed here. Chemicals you have available often kill all insects including the good ones, which may be worse than the original problem. Commonly used Sevin kills aphids but is steroids for mites. I would rather have a few aphids in the spring than be plagued by mites when it is hot and dry.

In parting, the key to a healthy garden is a happy plant. The secret is not to stess it too much or to make it too happy. Lush growth from excess fertilizer and water is a magnet for insects and disease problems.