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How to Get Rid of an Aphid Infestation - 4 Natural Ways
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How to Get Rid of an Aphid Infestation - 4 Natural Ways


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.

Aphids overtaking a plant vine

To Conclude

I hope you found this article useful. If you want to know more proven safe and effective methods to get rid of aphidsCLICK HERE and find out what the experts have to say.


Author’s Bio

Tony Manhart Guest Blogger


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!

 

 

All photos courtesy of www.gardeningdream.com

6 comments on How to Get Rid of an Aphid Infestation - 4 Natural Ways

  • Becky Hollenbeck
    Becky HollenbeckDecember 28, 2022

    One year I ended up with a bad infest of aphid in my potting shed. They attacked all of the young pepper plants I had out there. Also my apple tree had black aphids all over it. I tried indigenous earth, spraying them with a stream of water from a spray bottle, Sevin dust, and even wiping them off with a soft cloth. I wasn’t winning the battle. Then I started seeing ladybug larvae on my apple tree leaves. I took some of them to my pepper plants and in no time, the Aphids, both green ones and black ones were gone. Ladybugs for the win!

  • Yvonne Daily
    Yvonne DailyNovember 27, 2022

    When I spot aphids I start looking for ladybugs around the garden beds , cup them in my hand and deliver them to an aphid buffet, they then know what to do. As for the ants herding the aphids…I sprinkle corn meal around any ant hills in garden. I had read in past they take it into colony eat and cannot digest it killing ants. Corn meal around young plants like beans also deter cut worms which can’t digest it either but go for it before the young plant. 👍

  • Richard Mammel
    Richard MammelAugust 30, 2022

    You folks are SO good! I will always appreciate your enduring patience with me as I contact you folks with various questions. You’ve ALL been so very helpful. Thanks, thanks, and thanks!

  • brent snow
    brent snowAugust 30, 2022

    thanks for the info knowledge helps had them so bad in brussel sprout ended up eating them

  • Kathy van Hook
    Kathy van HookAugust 30, 2022

    I’ve often ordered ladybugs and released them in my greenhouse. Aphids gone and lady bugs spread out and reproduce. Yeah!

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