07/30/2024
"Aphids" Pest Series Week 2-
You can prevent them by doing house cleaning (or garden cleaning) No dead leaves on the ground. Trim things up off the ground. Trim leaves so very little moisture is retained, no hiding places, and plenty of air flow.
Introduce or attract natural predators of aphids, such as ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on aphids and help keep their population in check.
Plant things like basil, catnip, chives, dill, fennel, garlic, or mint (contained) around plants that get aphids a lot.
Insecticidal Soap: This is a safe and effective solution made from potassium salts of fatty acids. It can be sprayed directly on aphids to kill them on contact. Spray top and bottom of leaves. I use "Safer" soap.
Garlic and Onion Spray: Make a spray by blending garlic or onions with water. The strong smell deters aphids and other pests. take one bulb of garlic minced, then steep the garlic in one cup of vegetable oil. Then take 1 tbsp of the garlic oil, 2 drops of dishwashing detergent, and 1 qt. of water.
Tomato Leaf Spray: Tomato leaves contain compounds that are toxic to aphids. Steeping chopped leaves in water and spraying the solution on plants can help control aphids.
Also control ants. They work with the aphids and make them worse! Look up a "Borax" ant remover! It really works
What is your go to for Aphid Control?