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The privet aphid is a small (1.5 mm) greenish yellow aphid that only feeds on privet (Ligustrum).
Aphids are sap

Sap is a fluid that circulates through a plant's vascular system, in a similar way to blood moving through our veins. Phloem sap carries the sugars produced in the leaves by photosynthesis down to roots and other storage organs, as well as carrying minerals and hormones. Xylem sap is watery and transports nutrients absorbed by the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Some plants leak sap from wounds or pruning cuts, and this is known as bleeding. -sucking true bugs and are an important part of many food chains, supporting many predators . They range in size from 1 to 7 mm (¼ in or less) long. Some aphids are known as greenfly or blackfly, but there are species that are yellow, pink, white or mottled. There are more than 500 aphid species in Britain. Some feed on only one or two plant species, but others can be found on a wide range of plant hosts. Almost any plant can be affected, including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, greenhouse plants and houseplants. More information on aphids .

Privet aphid is active during the spring and early summer, when its sap

Sap is a fluid that circulates through a plant's vascular system, in a similar way to blood moving through our veins. Phloem sap carries the sugars produced in the leaves by photosynthesis down to roots and other storage organs, as well as carrying minerals and hormones. Xylem sap is watery and transports nutrients absorbed by the roots upwards to the rest of the plant. Some plants leak sap from wounds or pruning cuts, and this is known as bleeding. -feeding activities cause the leaves to yellow and curl. Damage is typically minor and can be tolerated. Plants usually make a recovery later in the summer when the aphids are no longer active on the plant.

Aphids form the basis of many food chains and it is not unusual to have some of these animals in a healthy balanced garden ecosystem. On established plants

Established plants have been in their current location for two or three years and so have well-developed root systems able to support strong growth with healthy foliage and flowers. , aphids can usually be considered part of the biodiversity

The variety of living organisms (plants, animals, fungi and microorganisms) in a particular environment. Boosting the biodiversity of your garden has many benefits, including supporting wildlife, improving soil health and reducing the likelihood of pest and disease problems. they support, natural enemies will normally reduce numbers during summer. While the damage privet aphid causes can be unsightly, damage is often minor, plants normally recover and may not be affected every year and so control is often unnecessary.

• Where possible tolerate populations of aphids
• Check privet frequently from spring onwards so action can be taken before a damaging population has developed
• Use finger and thumb to squash aphid colonies where practical
• Encourage aphid predators in the garden, such as ladybirds , ground beetles , hoverflies, parasitoid wasps and earwigs . Be aware that in spring aphid populations often build up before natural enemies are active in sufficient numbers and then give good control

Privet aphid, Myzus ligustri, is found throughout the year on privet (Ligustrum species). Sexual forms are produced in November and lay eggs. The eggs hatch in spring and colonies develop on the leaves, reaching a peak in mid-summer.