The Woolly apple aphid (E. lanigerum) can cause severe damage, especially in organic cultivation; sucking activity causes bark growth, the so-called blood louse canker.

Promoting natural antagonists in organic orchards is a key element in controlling E. lanigerum. Further, the tree growth should be balanced through proper (root) pruning.

A combination of preventive measures and promoting beneficial insects also enhances biodiversity in orchards and has positive effects against other pests, such as other aphid species.