- Aphids are a scourge of gardens, destroying plants and transmitting diseases.
- Chemical spraying is effective, but there is also an ecological alternative.
- Discover a home remedy for aphids that uses… soap! Check how to prepare it!
are small insects that are among the most popular pests in the garden. They occur practically all over the world, most often in moderate climatic zones. They feed in early spring and appear very quickly. Sometimes a few days of inattention are enough for aphids to take over the bush. These pests can be found both on ornamental shrubs and on vegetable and fruit bushes. As with many other pest species, the greatest threat comes from larvae feeding on the stems and outer parts of leaves. They feed on the life-giving sap of plants, causing them to die. It is also worth remembering that aphids can be a source of dangerous pathogens and diseases. Aphids live in a symbiotic relationship with ants, which feed on the honeydew they produce.
Ecological aphid spray from a Himalayan farmer. Kills insects in a few days
Fighting aphids in the garden mainly involves spraying. Both protective, preventive methods and chemical sprays that kill the larvae are used. The most effective method of eliminating aphids is contact spraying, which acts directly on the insects’ bodies. They clog their mouths, leading to quick death.
. These are specialized insecticides that enter the plant, making its sap toxic to pests.
Among the home methods to combat aphids, oil spraying is most often recommended. They are safe for plants and often recommended for fruit bushes. An effective oil for fighting aphids is paraffin oil. They are produced by the distillation of crude oil. In gardening, paraffin oil is used with low concentration, most often 2%. Paraffin oil covers the bodies of aphids, blocking their breathing apparatus. It leads to the suffocation of pests. Additionally, it destroys larvae and laid eggs. It is best to use paraffin oil-based sprays in early spring, when the plants are still dormant.
Home spray for aphids
To prepare the simplest solution, you will need water, gray soap (or potassium soap) and optionally garlic or onion to enhance the effect. Start by preparing the soap base. To do this, grate about 20-30 grams of gray soap and dissolve it in a liter of warm water. Stir vigorously until the soap is completely dissolved and a uniform solution is formed. It is important that the soap is free of fragrances and dyes that could harm plants. If you want to enhance the effect of the spray, you can add garlic or onion. Crush a few cloves of garlic or finely chop a small onion. Add them to the soap solution and leave for several hours, preferably overnight, so that the active ingredients can be released. After this time, strain the solution through a fine strainer or cheesecloth to remove any solid particles that could clog the sprayer. Pour the prepared solution into a spray bottle. Spray the plants thoroughly, concentrating on the underside of the leaves, where aphids are most likely to feed. Be sure to cover the entire surface of the plant where you notice the pests. Spraying is best done in the evening or early morning to avoid the solution drying quickly in the sun and potentially burning the leaves.
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