Aphid infestation can destroy the entire plant and if nothing is done, the aphid can move to surrounding plants. These parasites suck out plant juices, damaging leaves, stems and flowers in the process. The nectar they release can lead to the growth of smoky mold, and some aphids are capable of spreading various viruses. Although difficult to cope with, the combination of biological agents with organic oils, soaps and sprays can often bring the situation back under control, especially if the invasion is at an early stage.
Steps
Method 1 of 2: Biological Control
Step 1. Kill the aphids with your fingers or garden shears
You can't wipe out a big infestation just by crushing aphids, but killing a couple will send a chemical signal to other individuals to stay away.
Step 2. Cut off the infected area of the plant
If only one section of the plant was infected, then cut it off with garden shears and discard it in a plastic bag or bucket of soapy water.
Step 3. Spread ladybirds or lacewings in your garden
Both of these beetles are natural predators of aphids and will help contain their populations. Buy a ladybug house and food for her to lure the cows into your garden. You can purchase ladybugs from nurseries or stores. You can also lure lacewings with the same food and buy them from the same vendors.
Step 4. Lure birds into your garden
The titmouse and wren are especially helpful in reducing the aphid population. Set up birdhouses and scatter bird food around your yard.
Step 5. Get rid of the ants
Ants protect aphid colonies. Take them away by placing containers of honey under the infected plant. Honey will attract ants, leaving aphids alone with their natural predators.
Step 6. Control the ant population by tying tape around trees and infested plants
Sticky tape and other traps, instead of scaring away, will kill the ants that protect the aphids.
Step 7. Attract predators to aphids with appropriate plants
Mint, dill, yarrow, clover and dandelions are known to attract ladybirds, lacewings, and insects called aphid predators. Planting these plants can attract predators capable of controlling the aphid population.
Step 8. Grow plants that will repel aphids
Garlic and onions are perfect for this. The strong smell can scare off most aphid colonies.
Step 9. Make a compromise with the enemy
Grow plants that attract aphids, such as asters, cosmeus, burgundy, dahlias, and zinnias, but plant them away from the plants you want to protect. Then the aphids will be attracted to these plants and leave less tasty plants alone.
Method 2 of 2: Sprays
Step 1. Wash the aphids off the plants with a garden hose
The pressure of the water should remove the aphids from your plants. Continue rinsing the plants daily until the aphids are removed.
Step 2. Spray your plants with sleeping oils to kill the eggs on plants that have made it through the winter
Most garden oils are actually mineral oils, purified from impurities. Most vegetable oils will work as well, especially cottonseed and soybean oils.
Step 3. Treat the plants with summer oil as soon as you notice the appearance of aphids
Use the same type of oil as for sleeping oils.
Step 4. Use a homemade garlic spray
Add the crushed garlic to the water, allowing the water to combine with the garlic scent. This scent will act as aphid repellent, scaring them away.
Step 5. Make a home remedy to protect your plants from aphids
Pour 1 cup vegetable oil or white mineral oil into 2 cups water and add 2 teaspoons of chlorine-free dishwashing liquid. Pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray it on infected plants to kill the aphids. After doing this, protect the treated plants from direct sunlight, as the spray will intensify their action, which can cause the leaves to burn.
Step 6. Buy an organic insect repellent or insecticidal soap
These substances cause the cell walls of the aphids to weaken and disintegrate, due to which they become dehydrated through the loss of fluid. Sprinkle the powder or spray on both sides of the infected plant's leaves.
Step 7. Use pyrethrins or pyrethroids
Pyrethrins are made from chrysanthemums, while pyrethroids are their synthetic counterparts. Both products are organic and both are capable of killing aphids.
Advice
- Inspect plants for aphids from time to time. Aphid infestation begins slowly and is easier to deal with in the early stages.
- A combination of several methods will lead to the best results. Attract natural predators while getting rid of the ants that protect the aphids. Do not be afraid to spray the plants with different oils along with these methods.