If you're persistent and use safe removal practices, aphids are easy to keep in check.These insects use their mouths to suck up the leaves of plants.If you want to get a lasting effect, you can remove small clusters of aphids by hand.New plants and insect species should be introduced to your garden after they're gone to discourage pests from coming back.
Step 1: You can learn to recognize them by sight.
The insects have rounded bodies with long antennae and tubes on either side of their rear end.They can be white, black, gray, green, yellow, or even pink.When viewed close, some types appear to be covered in a cotton-like substance.The flying and wingless species of aphids make them even more of a problem to control.Once their current food source is degraded, some will grow wings.Aphids are a common pest in all parts of the globe, and have been known to attack almost any type of crop, tree, shrub, or flowering plant.
Step 2: You can inspect the underside of your plants' leaves.
Look closely at the leaves to catch the insects.They are usually visible to the naked eye.If you have an insect on your hands, it's better to see them for yourself.They'll happily feed on whatever they find growing, even if they prefer to eat the leaves of fruits and vegetables.A small population of insects can cause a lot of problems for farmers and gardeners.
Step 3: Look at the foliage that is curled or discolored.
If your plants seem to be malfunctioning, take note.The activity of hungry aphids can weaken or spread disease in once healthy plants, causing them to look sickly.Along with the more obvious symptoms of disease, you may be able to spot tiny bite marks along the edges or veins of the leaves.The warmer summer months are when aphids flourish.
Step 4: To see where the aphids are feeding, look for the presence of honeydew.
If the leaves of your plants are slick and shiny, or seem to be covered in a thin mucus-like material, there's a good chance that there are aphids nearby.As mold and fungi begin to grow on it, honeydew can become dark brown or black.Your plants will be washed away by periodically hosing them off.
Step 5: Keep an eye on the plants.
Scan the plants in your garden from root to tip every couple weeks.Plants with abnormal growth pop up on the outer surface of other plants.They appear as a result of irritation due to insects.They look like dark raised bumps or mold spots when accompanied by severe discoloration.If left unattended, the plant may be vulnerable to more serious diseases.
Step 6: Pick off small numbers of insects.
If you stray insects from the leaves of the plants, crush them between your fingers.Aphids are easy to dispatch with a single squeeze.If you're dealing with more than half a dozen, it may be easier to use a damp paper towel.Gloves will protect your skin from potential irritants.In colonies, they can appear 1 or 2 at a time.
Step 7: The leaves of the plants can be sprayed with a garden hose.
A stream of water should be enough to get rid of pests.The underside of the leaves are where aphids congregate.You should hose down your plants 1-2 times a day until the problem is solved.Don't use a pressure setting that is high enough to damage the plant.It is the most effective way to fight small-moderate pests on established plants.Between waterings, allow the leaves to dry completely.Plants that are sensitive to water are at increased risk of diseases.
Step 8: To get rid of large colonies, cut back the plant.
There are sections where the majority of the insects are present.This may include plucking leaves or fruits.Make sure you don't overlook insects on other parts of the plant.Douse the affected plant with water or a homemade solution after cutting it back.Pruning works best when there is only one section of the plant.
Step 9: Put together a homemade soap solution.
Shake the soap with a few ounces of warm water in a spray bottle.Plants that show signs of activity should be treated liberally with the solution.The soap will eventually cause the insects to dry out.Adding a pinch of pepper cayenne will make your solution even more effective.When you need it, keep your spray bottle in a garage or shed.Try to be careful when spraying plants because this solution will kill beneficial insects.If you mix up a fresh batches for each application, it will keep your spray nozzle free of gunk.
Step 10: Use a blend of essential oils.
If you want to create your own blend of each oil, add 4-5 drops to a spray bottle filled with water.Mist your plants.Whatever bugs the mixture doesn't kill off will be in a hurry to leave.Not only are essential oils safe, but they can also be used to repel insects.If you leave oil on leaves, it can burn your plant.Designate a spray bottle with oil in it.
Step 11: Purchase a bottle of oil.
A plant-based oil compound is useful for controlling pests.If you want to make a 2% solution and spray wherever you find insects, you can get neem oil in its pure form.In a matter of hours, the aphids will be killed by the cloying oil.Any major gardening center can be found with neem oil.It won't harm you or your plants if it's exposed to air.Mealy bugs, beetles, and caterpillar are some of the common pests that neem oil is useful against.Try to be careful when spraying because it will kill beneficial insects as well as pests.
Step 12: Plants can be sprayed with an insecticidal soap.
Insecticidal soaps are used to kill aphids.Most greenhouses, plant nurseries, and outdoor supply stores have these products.They come premixed, which means you won't have to do a lot of measuring.If you want to use insecticidal soaps in your garden, be sure to read the instructions on the packaging carefully.
Step 13: Commercial insecticides are a last resort.
It may be necessary to try a more potent pesticide if none of your other efforts have worked.Look for products that are proven to work.Some pesticides are sold in spray bottles, while others need to be mixed and sprayed with a chemical sprayer.Chemicals can be harmful to plants and beneficial predator species.Follow the instructions on the product label and never use more than you are told to.A database of low-risk pesticides that may benefit farmers and gardeners has been compiled by the National sustainable Agriculture Information Service.
Step 14: There are beneficial insect species in your garden.
There are many insects that prey on aphids.Adding them to your garden will help reduce populations of destructive pests and restore order to areas that have been damaged.You can buy eggs, larvae, and even live plants at major garden supply stores.They can become nuisances in their own right.When pitting insect against insect, bring in a modest number and keep a close eye on them so you're not just trading one pest for another.
Step 15: Plants that attract ladybugs are the ones to choose.
Geraniums, Sweet Alyssum, sunflower, Queen Anne's Lace, and parsley are some of the favorites.With the right offerings, you can draw helpful ladybugs to your garden without going to the trouble of buying, releasing, and monitoring them on your own.Don't pull out every last weed you find.Some varieties of dandelion and bugleweed are attractive to some species of ladybugs, and leaving a few here and there will help promote diversity in your growing space.Provide a source of water, such as an active sprinkler system, small fountain, or bird feeders, to ensure that the ladybugs have all their needs met.Place a small rock in the center to make it easier for insects to get out.
Step 16: Use aromatic plants as a deterrent.
Alliums like onions and garlic can be grown around plants that tend to become overrun by aphids.Their odors are offensive to the insects, who will eventually move on to a different setting in order to get away from it.If you're looking for a quicker solution, you can cut up fresh alliums and scatter them over the perimeter of your garden instead of taking the time to cultivate them.
Step 17: You should destroy any ant colonies you come across.
Use a commercial ant killer to wipe out swarms of ants and destroy their hills to keep them from returning.The more ants there are, the longer your aphid problem is likely to continue.In order to use their natural secretions as a food source, ants have been known to protect and herd aphids.