The seed that is sown in the ground, from the very time that it is sown till it be fully ripe, is ever exposed to one thing or other that tends to annoy and destroy it. When it is first sown, it is liable to be picked up by the fowls. When it first puts forth, 'tis liable to be soon eaten by worms, either above or underground, or to be scorched by the summer sun; and if it bears this, 'tis liable to be choked with weeds or thorns. And when it is grown tall, and the fruit put forth but yet green, 'tis liable to be greatly injured by honey-dews. So it is with seeming grace, and in some respects with real grace, in the soul.
There are various kinds of apostates and hypocrites. Some are overcome and overthrown by one trial, others by another. Some hold out for a shorter, and others for a longer time. Some bear trials that others are overset by, and yet at last comes a trial that overthrows them. But of all trials, great worldly prosperity and great seeming spiritual prosperity and honor is the greatest. This, like a honey-dew, may kill those that have borne other trials. So true grace is assaulted and annoyed in all its different stages with various enemies. And even when the saints are arrived at a great height in religion, and are tall Christians, and near to God, and their fruit put forth but not yet become solid and ripe, are greatly in danger by a honey-dew, i.e. their great spiritual prosperity, and sweet joys and comfort, prove to bring 'em into a languishing sorrowful state through spiritual pride. - “Images,” no. 165
In other words, from the time it is planted until it is fully ripe, the seed is attacked by many things that can hurt or kill it. Birds can pick it up, bugs can eat it, the sun can burn it, weeds or thorns can suffocate it, and honeydews can hurt it. True grace is attacked and irritated by different enemies at every stage. The honey-dew1 can be very dangerous for even saints who are very close to God and at the height of their spiritual life. This is because their spiritual success can make them proud, which can lead to unforeseen misery.
Aphids cause damage to host plants by sucking juices, causing discoloration, yellowing, and stunted growth. Infestations can produce honeydew, attract ants, and fuel fungus growth. They can transmit plant viruses, causing molting, yellowing, and poor plant yields. https://npic.orst.edu/pest/aphid.html