How to Get Rid of Aphids: 9 Effective Solutions

Aphids can be a major nuisance for gardeners. These tiny, sap-sucking insects can cause significant damage to plants, leading to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and even tree death. In this blog post, we will discuss nine effective ways to get rid of aphids and protect your plants!

What Are Aphids?

Aphids are small, wingless insects that feed on plant sap. These pests are often found in large numbers on new growth or undersides of leaves. Aphids can vary in color but are typically green, black, or brown.

Aphids reproduce quickly and can spread rapidly through a garden. One female aphid can produce up to 80 offspring in just two weeks!

Signs of Aphids and Their Effects

The first sign of aphids is usually damage to plants. Aphids feed by piercing plant tissues and sucking out the sap. This feeding can cause leaves to curl, yellow, or wilt. Plants may also be stunted or have deformed growth.

Aphid infestations are often accompanied by a sticky substance on leaves or stems. This substance, called honeydew, is excreted by aphids as they feed. Honeydew can attract other pests, like ants or sooty mold, to the infested plant.

In large numbers, aphids can severely weaken and even kill plants. They are often hosted to a number of harmful diseases, which can be transmitted to plants as they feed. Aphid infestations often lead to stunted growth, yellowing leaves, and deformed flowers.

How to Get Rid of Aphids on Plants and Trees: Nine Effective Solutions

There are a number of ways to get rid of aphids and protect your plants. Below are nine effective solutions:

Hose Them Off

A strong blast of water from a hose can dislodge aphids from plants. Be sure to direct the stream of water underneath leaves and into crevices where aphids may be hiding.

Introduce Natural Predators

Ladybugs, lacewings, and other beneficial insects feed on aphids. You can purchase these insects from a garden center or online retailer. Be very conscious not to overdo it, as insect populations are often carefully balanced by nature.

Use Insecticidal Soap

Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to get rid of aphids. Be sure to follow the instructions on the label or have a pro apply it to ensure it’s done safely.

Apply Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural, botanical product that can be used to control aphids. It works by disrupting the life cycle of the pest.

Make a Homemade Spray

You can make your own aphid-killing spray at home using dish soap and water. Simply mix one tablespoon of dish soap with one quart of water and spray directly on aphids.

Call a Professional Tree Service Company

A professional tree service company will have the experience and equipment necessary to get rid of aphids quickly and effectively. They will also be able to treat your trees for any diseases that may have been transmitted by the aphids. Professional services can provide up to an entire year of control with one treatment!

Use Yellow Sticky Traps

Yellow sticky traps are a safe and easy way to get rid of aphids. The bright yellow color attracts aphids, who then get stuck to the sticky surface.

Apply Diatomaceous Earth

Diatomaceous Earth is a non-toxic powder that can be used to control aphids. It works by puncturing the exoskeleton of the pest, causing it to dehydrate and die.

Remove Infested Plants

In some cases, the best solution is to remove infested plants from your garden. This will help prevent the spread of aphids to other plants. Again, the help of professionals may be best here to make sure the job is done properly.

How to Prevent Aphids

You can also take steps to prevent aphids from infesting your plants in the first place. One way to do this is to choose plants that are less attractive to aphids. Some plants, like marigolds or nasturtiums, naturally repel aphids. When planting, be sure to space plants properly. This will help increase air circulation and deter aphids. Planting these around your garden can help keep aphids away. Another way to prevent aphids is to keep your garden clean and free of debris where these pests can hide.

TreeNewal Tree Disease Management

Aphids can cause a great deal of damage to plants and trees. In large numbers, aphids can weaken and even kill plants. If you suspect that your plant has an aphid infestation, it’s important to take action right away. The faster you get rid of aphids, the better. TreeNewal is here to help. Our tree disease management experts can quickly and effectively get rid of aphids on your property. We can also treat your trees for any diseases that may have been transmitted by the pests. Contact us today to learn more about our services or to schedule a consultation.

If you need advice or assistance with tree disease management, get in touch with the ISA Certified Arborists at TreeNewal and enjoy tailored tree care advice.

To learn more about How to Get Rid of Aphids: 9 Effective Solutions, call our Argyle and Southlake-based teams

at (817) 592-6846 or send us a message.

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