Aphids are pests of vegetables, field crops, shrubs, flowers and ornamental trees. They like to feed on cabbage, peas, potato, tomato, beans, roses, ornamental flowers, trees and shrubs (birch, elm, ash, maple, oak and pine). Healthy plants can tolerate a small number of aphids, however, damage results when large numbers are present. The aphid uses its needle-like mouth piece to suck sugar-rich sap from the plant.

When a plant is attacked by a large population of aphids, damage such as reduced growth, wilted leaves, drying branches, stunted needles, curled, yellowed or downward cupped foliage may result. Many aphids remove excess sap from plants and excrete it. This clear, sticky, sweet substance, called honeydew is found below the host plant and may act as an attractant for other insect pests such as ants. The excess honeydew also acts as a host for a harmless black sooty mold which often grows in the secretion. Some species of aphids are also known to transmit viruses to the host plant upon which it feeds.

Source : http://www.env.gov.nl.ca/env/ENV/final/bugs/aphids.html

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