What characteristic of established woolly aphid colonies poses a specific hurdle for topical spray control methods?
Answer
Their waxy secretions prevent most topical sprays from reaching the soft-bodied insect.
The foremost challenge in chemically managing established woolly aphid colonies is the physical protection offered by their dense, white, waxy secretions. This thick coating acts as a formidable barrier that prevents direct contact between the applied pesticide—even many standard topical sprays—and the actual soft-bodied insect underneath. Effective control often necessitates circumventing this defense, perhaps through systemic application or by targeting the aphid at a stage before the wax fully develops.
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