2026-05-11 17:00:20
Drivers are being warned to watch out for a tiny summer pest that could leave their cars facing repair bills of up to £900.
Experts say greenfly populations are expected to surge across the UK in the coming weeks as temperatures continue to rise, with motorists being urged to act quickly if they notice sticky residue appearing on their vehicles.
According to Select Car Leasing, many drivers may be completely unaware their car is under attack until permanent damage has already been done.
Greenfly, more commonly known as aphids, are tiny insects usually found feeding on plants and trees between May and July. The Royal Horticultural Society says the pests survive by sucking sap from leaves and stems, making them a familiar headache for gardeners throughout spring and summer.
But vehicle experts are now warning that the insects can also cause major cosmetic damage to cars parked beneath trees or in heavily wooded areas.
The problem comes from a sticky substance known as “honeydew”, which aphids leave behind after feeding. While it may initially appear harmless, experts claim the residue can harden and develop into a black mould-like coating capable of damaging paintwork over time.
Graham Conway, Managing Director at Select Car Leasing, said motorists should not underestimate the risk.
He warned: “They may be small and look harmless but you should not underestimate how much damage greenfly can cause.”
Conway explained that once the honeydew begins to break down, it can become increasingly acidic and much harder to remove.
He said: “This turns into soot-like black mould spores, which can eat through paintwork because of their high acidity.”
The issue is expected to become even worse during warmer weather, when aphid populations can explode dramatically. Research highlighted by Select Car Leasing claims a single mature tree can host as many as 2.5 million aphids at one time.
Greenfly are also known for reproducing at astonishing speed. Female aphids can reproduce through a process called parthenogenesis, meaning they do not need males in order to produce offspring.
Experts say one insect can produce around 50 offspring, with populations potentially multiplying into millions within just a few weeks during peak summer conditions.
As a result, motorists are being encouraged to check their vehicles regularly and clean away any sticky residue immediately before lasting damage occurs.
He said: “If you are unfortunate enough to find this sticky substance on your car it is absolutely crucial that you clean it off as soon as possible, as a respray could set you back around £900.”
Drivers are also being advised to avoid parking under trees where possible, particularly during hot weather when aphid activity is at its highest.
Keeping cleaning wipes inside the car has also been recommended as a quick way to remove residue before it hardens onto the surface.
For a deeper clean, experts suggest using specialist detergents designed to remove stubborn contaminants from paintwork and soft-top roofs.
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