I really hate those suckers!! They come in all tiny and wipe out blooms and plants. Two years ago I couldn't figure out what was wrong with my Hibiscus. The blooms were all distorted. Closer inspection lead me to an aphid infestation of epic proportion!
How do you control these sap sucking, life taking pests? Well, thankfully there are ways to control them without the use of harsh chemicals. (My natural cure was neem oil- it took 3 rounds of it to do the trick.)
Here are some tips to help you control aphids in a safe and eco-friendly manner.
1. Introduce Beneficial Insects
Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are natural predators of aphids. By introducing these beneficial insects into your garden, you can create a natural balance that helps keep aphid populations in check. Alyssum and catmint attract ladybugs and lacewings! Treehugger.com has a great list of how to attract beneficial insects to your garden and what to plant go get them to stay here.
2. Plant Aphid-Repelling Herbs
Herbs like mint, fennel, and dill are known to repel aphids. By planting these herbs near your susceptible plants, you can help deter aphids from taking up residence in your garden.
3. Use a Homemade Insecticidal Soap
Mixing 1 Tbsp of dish soap to a gallon of water can create an effective insecticidal soap that can be sprayed directly on aphids. This solution suffocates the pests without harming your plants. Make sure to do this early in the morning or late in the evening as to not create a sunburned plant!
4. Blast Them Away with Water
A strong stream of water from a garden hose can physically remove aphids from your plants. Be sure to focus on the undersides of leaves where aphids tend to hide. Again, in the morning or evening only.
5. Neem Oil Spray
Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can help control aphids. Mix neem oil with water and a small amount of dish soap to create a spray that can be applied to your plants. (follow directions distributors' directions for exact ratio)
By incorporating these natural methods into your pest control routine, you can effectively manage aphids in your garden without the use of harmful chemicals. Remember, a healthy garden is a happy garden!