7 Natural Ways to Get Rid of Aphids Before They Destroy Your Plants

Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be effective in controlling aphids. It works by disrupting the aphids' hormonal balance, making it difficult for them to feed and reproduce. 

To use neem oil, mix it with water according to the instructions on the bottle and spray it onto your plants, focusing on the areas where aphids are present. Be sure to soak the underside of leaves where aphids lay their eggs. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids are gone. Be sure to apply neem oil in the early morning or late evening, as direct sunlight can cause it to break down quickly.

Pros: This simple spray is easy to use.

Cons: Neem oil can affect beneficial pollinators such as bees & butterflies. 

Another natural way to get rid of aphids in your garden is to make a soap solution. Mix a few drops of pure castile soap with water in a spray bottle and shake well. Spray the solution onto your plants, focusing on the areas where aphids are present. The soap will suffocate the aphids and cause them to die off. Be sure to rinse your plants with water after a few hours to prevent any damage to the leaves. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids are gone. 

Essential oils can also be added to homemade solutions. For example, peppermint, clove, rosemary, thyme, and hot pepper are essential oils that can be helpful pest deterrents.

Pros: Homemade sprays are nontoxic, and use what you already have.

Cons: Soap sprays need to make contact with the aphids to kill them.

Garlic spray is a natural and effective way to get rid of aphids in your garden. Garlic is a natural fungicide, high in sulfur which is toxic to aphids, and has allicin which confuses sensory receptors.

To make a garlic spray, smash 4 or 5 garlic cloves. Pour 4 cups of boiling water over the garlic and allow it to sit overnight. Strain out the garlic and add 2 tablespoons of castile soap to the garlic water. Pour this into a spray bottle.

Spray the garlic mixture onto your plants, focusing on the areas where aphids are present. The pungent odor of garlic will repel the aphids and prevent them from coming back. Repeat this process every few days until the aphids are gone.

Pros: The smell can deter aphids and other pests. The contact with the sulfur and soap will kill the aphids and eggs.

Cons: The garlic smell. Too much can also be toxic to other beneficial insects.

One of the most effective ways to control aphids in your garden is to introduce beneficial insects that prey on them. Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are all natural predators of aphids and can help keep their populations in check. 

Ladybugs are perhaps the most well-known beneficial insect for controlling aphids. They feed on aphids and can consume up to 50 per day. Lacewings are also effective at controlling aphids and can be purchased as adults or as eggs, which will hatch into larvae that feed on aphids. Finally, parasitic wasps are another effective predator of aphids. They lay their eggs inside aphids, which hatch and consume the aphids from the inside out. Be sure to provide them with a habitat by planting flowers that attract them, such as dill, fennel, and yarrow.

Birds such as chickadees and nuthatches will feast on aphids.

Pros - Natural predators keep your garden organic. 

Cons - You can’t control nature and make them come precisely when you want. But by providing a habitat they prefer, you’ll see the benefits.

Companion planting is the practice of planting different crops together in the same space to improve the health and productivity of your garden. It can also be used to deter pests, including aphids. 

Marigolds, for example, are known to repel aphids and can be planted alongside your other crops to deter them. Other plants, such as mint, catnip, chives, and garlic, are also effective at repelling aphids and can be planted in your garden for added protection. In addition, zinnias, cosmos, and nasturtium are beautiful flowers that will trap aphids.

Pros: Works well for many kinds of aphids and benefits your plants.

Cons: Not all types of aphids are affected by these companion plants. You may have to try different plants for specific kinds of aphids.

Once you've successfully controlled an aphid infestation, it's important to take steps to prevent them from returning. One of the best ways to prevent aphids from returning is to keep your garden clean and free of debris. Aphids are attracted to areas with high humidity and debris, so keeping your garden neat and well-maintained can help keep them at bay. You can also prevent aphids from returning by practicing good plant hygiene. This includes regularly inspecting your plants for signs of an infestation, removing any infected plants, and rotating your crops to prevent the buildup of pests and diseases.

Aphids love to suck on young, tender growth and are frustrating to see in the garden. Some years it seems like there are very few, and they don’t eat much. But in other years, they seem to be everywhere. So start checking early and look for the signs. If you see lots of ants, sticky, shiny leaves, or curled and yellowed leaves, start using these natural methods to get rid of aphids.

You can create a thriving garden that's free from these pesky pests. So put on your gardening gloves, grab your tools, and get ready to banish those aphids for good!

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