Aphids on Strawberry Bush

My strawberry-bush appears healthy when it leafs out in early spring. But as the new shoots appear, it becomes infested with little black insects. What are they? How do I get rid of them? —Elfrieda Hibner, La Porte, Indiana

Melinda:

Aphids are a common threat to strawberry-bush (botanically known as Euonymus americana). These small teardrop-shaped insects feed on plant juices, which often cause the leaves to discolor and curl.

Lady bugs and the weather often keep the aphid population in check. But that doesn't mean you can't lend a helping hand if needed. A strong blast of water from a garden hose or several applications of insecticidal soap at weekly intervals is usually enough to control these sap-sucking pests.