Our guest blogger, Tony Manhart, is the founder and editor in chief at Gardeningdream. Read below for his tips on how to get rid of an aphid infestation on plants!
These little green bugs are one of the most devastating pests in the garden. Of all the pests that plague our yards and gardens, aphids are definitely among the worst. They seem to reproduce overnight and can invade your garden quite quickly, leaving behind a sticky trail and tortured plants.
What Are Aphids?
Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that come from the superfamily Aphidoidea. They are known for feeding by sucking nutrient-rich fluids from plants. Ranging from 1/16 to 1/4 inch long, these little green bugs have waxy bodies, and depending on the species, they can vary in color.
Did you know that at least 5,000 species of aphids have been discovered? Fascinating, isn’t it? Unfortunately, they reproduce quite quickly and can cause a lot of damage to your plants. That's why we are here to help you. Read the best ways to prevent and eliminate infestation.
How to Get Rid of Aphid Infestation on Plants - 4 Natural Ways
Spray them with water
Truth be told, there is no more natural and simple way than this. Namely, a strong enough blast of water is one of the best ways to control these terrible pests. What's best, almost everyone has a garden hose, and all you have to do is aim it directly at the affected leaves and stems to spray the aphids off.
These bugs are not strong enough to hold on to the plant with their thin legs, and in addition, you will wash away some of the "honeydew" and at the same time prevent ant infestation. Repeat the process until the population is completely reduced.
Grow plants with natural pest-repelling properties
Did you know that aphids hate strong scents? Therefore, all you need to do is grow plants with powerful aromas in your yard. These are the favorites that experts recommend for this purpose: calendula, catnip, dill, fennel, cilantro, chives, and peppermint.
Use insecticidal soap
Thanks to their extremely thin and soft body, aphids are quite easy to exterminate with some natural chemical control methods such as soaps and oils. Insecticidal soap is very effective, however, it is very important to remember that it is not absorbed into the plant, but stays on the surface and loses effectiveness once dry.
Plant a trap crop
We know it may sound strange, but gardeners plant various sacrificial plants in order to attract aphids so they stay off your more valuable plants. Feel free to choose from nasturtiums, calendula, and nettles, as they are the best option for attracting the little green bugs.
Once aphids swarm the decoy plants, simply pull them out and throw them away.
I hope you found this article useful. If you want to know more proven safe and effective methods to get rid of aphids, CLICK HERE and find out what the experts have to say.
–
Author’s Bio
Tony Manhart is the founder and editor in chief at Gardeningdream. Tony’s enthusiasm and rich experience in all things related to growing plants have led him to share his knowledge with gardening aficionados all over the world. When he is not working around his garden, Tony spends his time writing tips and tricks on various subjects related to plant cultivation and soil maintenance.
How do YOU handle an Aphid Infestation? Let us know in the comments below!
I’ve found that the only time my plants (veggies and flowers) get aphids are when I let them get too dry for a day or 2…..sooooo…..I try not to let the soil get dry!