How to Control Garden Aphids

Aphid Control

So, what kind of damage can a single, tiny little, pear-shaped bug do? After all, garden aphids are only 1/10th to 1/2 inch small. If you’ve got an aphid infestation, then you know that it’s not the single tiny bug, that harms your plants. It’s hundreds and thousands of them, sucking away your plant’s juices, that can damage a wide variety of flower and vegetable plants. Among others, Rose plants are a favorite for aphids. Therefore, it’s important to know how to control aphids.

Aphids are easy to spot. These garden pests will infest plant leaves and soft stems in great numbers. Colors include black, brown, green, red, and yellow. They have long legs and antennae. They can be found on the top or underside of leaves, and soft stems. Generally, the adults are wingless. However, with thousands of species of aphids, some adult species may have wings.

Aphids are prolific reproduces. There can be several generations of aphids in a year. Females can lay up to 80 eggs a day.

Aphids can also contribute to the spread of plant disease.

Seen any ants? Aphids produce a sugary secretion called “honeydew”, which ants love. Ants will also defend aphids against some natural predators. If you see ants in big numbers, the cause may be an infestation of aphids. More about ants

Aphids are also called: Plant Lice

Aphid Damage

Garden Aphids feed by sucking on plant juices. damage signs include:

Curling leaves
Distorted leaves.
Stunted shoots
Sickly and wilted plants

How to Control Aphids with Chemicals

There is a wide array of methods to control aphids. Many chemical sprays are available to control them But why use harmful chemicals, when there are many organic controls. Among them, are:

Directly spray a strong stream of water on them.
Promote beneficial insects that eat aphids, especially ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps.
Insecticidal soaps
Garlic Oil Sprays
Vegetable oil sprays
Citrus Oil sprays
Garlic sprays
Neem oil
Flour – Sprinkle on the infested area. Aphids get constipated!
Lower nitrogen in the soil. High levels of nitrogen help aphid population growth.

Organic spray recipes – find out how to make a variety of organic sprays.