Aphids

• Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects with long legs and antennae. They damage ivy by sucking fluids from the stems and leaves. A few aphids won't damage your ivy, but large infestations can cause the leaves to turn yellow, curl and become distorted. Aphids also produce honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts sooty mold fungus. Control aphids by spraying your ivy with a strong stream of water, which will knock them off the plant. If you must use an insecticide, consider soap, neem oil or narrow-range oil. Although these insecticides will kill beneficial insects that are on the ivy when the insecticide is used, they don't leave a toxic residue, so insects that visit after the ivy is sprayed won't be harmed.
  
  

Whiteflies

• Whiteflies are tiny insects with yellowish bodies and white, wax-covered wings. They can be found in groups on the undersides of leaves where they suck the sap, causing the leaves to turn yellow and die. Leaves may also look dry and fall off the plant. Small numbers of whiteflies aren't usually a problem, but heavy infestations are difficult to control. Insecticides aren't effective against this pest. If you discover whiteflies on your ivy before a large population has a chance to establish itself, you can control them by removing infested leaves, vacuuming the adults or spraying the ivy with a strong stream of water. Sticky traps can be used to help reduce larger populations.
  
  

Spider Mites

• Spider mites are tiny bugs less than 1/50 inch when fully grown. They have an oval body, eight legs and no antennae. Most spider mites also spin a silk web that can be found on the undersides of the leaves they infest. Spider mites damage ivy leaves by piercing the walls of plant cells and sucking out the fluids. Symptoms of mite infestation include the presence of small yellow or white speckles on the leaves. The spots may run together, making the leaves look yellow or bronzed. Heavy infestations of spider mites can kill ivy. Wash spider mites off your ivy by using a strong stream of water from a garden hose. Insecticides don't usually work on this pest. Use a miticide for chemical control.
  
  

Mealybugs

• Mealybugs are soft-bodied insects with a white waxy secretion that covers their bodies. They grow to be 1/8 to 1/4 inch long and can be difficult to spot on ivy plants because they hide and may even crawl off the plant. Look for white, cottony remains on the undersides of leaves and on stems. Finding honeydew, sooty mold or ants on your ivy may also be signs of a mealybug infestation. Mealybugs feed on the ivy's sap, turning leaves yellow, and they're hard to control. Consider destroying the plants if just a few are infested. The mealybug destroying ladybird beetle can be introduced when there's a high population of mealybugs to feed on.