Aphids question?

[Pelican521]

Hey all, my last years crop of cascade and centennial had to be tossed by a lot of sooty mold from aphids (from what I understand their excrement produces blackish patch that's a form of mold or something like that.)

I didn't notice them until I went to dry the cones on a screen and after a few hours there were probably thousands along the edge of the screen after exiting the cones.

My question is, would I have seen them a week or two crawling around on the bines and leaves or are they really not ever visible because they just go straight into the cones?

I want to try and stop them from taking over my crop this year.

Thanks in advance!

 

[brian4508]

Look at the underside of the leaves and you will see them