The aphid . The name hardly conjures up images of destruction , but that ’ s exactly what these little pests do best . A longtime scourge of gardeners and farmers alike , these sap-sucking insects thrive in temperate regions and multiply quickly if not controlled . Luckily , reducing and eliminating aphid populations is manageable and can be done quickly and inexpensively with products found around the house .
Spotting Aphids
Aphids are tiny and may escape detection by the naked eye . Color will vary depending on the species , but they all share a pear-shaped body with two antennae-like tubes protruding from the rear . In search of plant juices , aphids will attack all parts of a plant , causing the plant to lose nutritive sap . In some cases , aphids may transmit harmful viruses to the plant . In general , aphids prefer new growth and the underside of leaves . Look out for the following telltale signs of aphid activity :
• Leaf curl : Aphids will attack the underside of a leaf , causing it to yellow , wilt , and curl inwards . Check the underside of a curled leaf and you may find an aphid hiding spot .
• Sticky leaves and stem : Honeydew is a sticky , fluid-like byproduct of aphid feeding . It clogs leaf surfaces and can also attract ants .
• Black leaves : The growth of black mold on honeydew is known as sooty mold . The mold greatly decreases a plant ’ s appearance and inhibits its ability to absorb sunlight .
• Increase in ant population : As mentioned above , honeydew attracts ants , which in turn will protect aphids from their natural predators .
• Distorted flowers and fruit : Flower buds and fruit that have been attacked by aphids may have a distorted and stunted appearance .
Many plant species can withstand a minor aphid infestation ; however , a more severe infestation can greatly impact your plant ’ s ability to grow and flourish . In cases where the root has been attacked , the plant may shrivel and die .
Getting Rid of Aphids Quickly and Easily
Like most maladies , early detection and treatment can be instrumental in warding off a more serious infestation . Here are a few quick and simple methods you can try using products from your own home .
• Dish soap and water : A simple dish soap diluted in water works wonders as an insecticide . Dilute two tablespoons of dish soap in one gallon of water . Stir and transfer to a spray bottle . Before you begin treatment , spot test the soapy solution on a small area of the plant and wait a few hours . If the plant shows signs of damage , your solution may be too strong . When spraying an affected plant , be sure to spray both sides of the leaves , as well as any fallen aphids you may see . Upon contact , the soap solution will disrupt cell membranes and dissolve any exterior protective waxes that cover the aphid , resulting in dehydration and death . Make sure to rinse the plant with water after treatment . Sunlight will react with any residual soap solution and may cause a chemical burn ( for this reason it ’ s recommended spraying in the early evening , as the plant won ’ t be exposed to as much sunlight ). Repeat treatment every few days until aphid population is under control .
• Lemon spray : This natural solution kills aphids on contact . Simply zest a couple of lemons into a pot filled with enough water to fill a spray bottle . Boil the mixture for 10 minutes then let sit overnight . Transfer the mixture to your spray bottle and begin the treatment .
• Yellow bowl : A more passive and less invasive approach , this trick takes advantage of the aphid ’ s attraction to the color yellow . Simply fill a plastic yellow bowl with water and place it amongst the affected plants . The aphids will climb into the bowl and drown .
Striking a Balance
When treating your garden for pests , it ’ s important to keep in mind that you are altering the balance of an ecosystem . Many plant species are able to withstand minor aphid populations , and beneficial insects such as ladybugs and green lacewing larvae will help keep aphid numbers in check . However , when you believe aphid activity is beginning to have an adverse affect on your garden , it ’ s best to employ minimally invasive tactics that won ’ t harm the general biodiversity of your garden .
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When treating your garden for pests , it ’ s important to keep in mind that you are altering the balance of an ecosystem .”
There are many products available at your local hydro store that combat aphids , but many growers prefer a DIY approach like the ones above if the infestation is caught early on . While they ’ re not the only ways to get rid of aphids , they ’ re a good , fast , and inexpensive start .
Bryan Traficante is the co-founder of a website called gardeninminutes . com .
Maximum Yield USA | January 2017 91