Unidentified Insects

[akcheat]

Hi all, over the last week or so I've noticed these little bugs hanging out at the top of a few of my plants, but only in the morning. So far I haven't seen any damage to any plants, but I want to make sure these guys aren't a threat. I've attached a picture of them at the top of a totem pole cactus, this is typically how I find them between 7-9AM, but by 10 they are usually gone.

[anttisepp]

Aphids IMHO

[akcheat]

Gotcha! These plants are outside, do you think I should just leave them to the predatory insects and birds?

[anttisepp]

I don't tolerate pests on my plants.

[akcheat]

What would you advise for these guys? Soapy spray, insecticides, ladybugs, etc.?

[Steve Johnson]

Gotcha! These plants are outside, do you think I should just leave them to the predatory insects and birds?

See this:

https://www.cactiguide.com/cactipests/#aphids

Imidacloprid soil soaks are a highly effective long-term solution to problems with mealies and armored scale. Since aphids are sucking insects (they suck in more ways than one! ), I think Imidacloprid should work on them too.

[akcheat]

Thank you all for the information! I'll give some of the tips from this link a try, and then move on to formal pesticides/insecticides if they persist. Although I did check outside a minute ago and the aphids appear to have attracted lacewings so I'm hoping that the problem may start resolving on its own!

[anttisepp]

Aphids are easiest pests to eliminate, use any garden spray.