Natural Remedies For Aphids
Aphids are the tiny creatures which can wreak havoc in your garden, especially if you have roses. These are quite small insects. They are about three millimeters in length. Some adult aphids have wings. There are around twenty species of aphids that attack plants in gardens and greenhouses. |
Some aphids which damage your garden are green peach aphid, melon aphid, oleander aphid and rose aphid.
Green peach aphids, as name denotes, are easily distinguishable because of their coloring. They are green in color. It is also an aphid that is responsible for transmitting plant viruses to plants in your garden. These aphids can spread through high speed winds and storms. If a single plant in your greenhouse is has green peach aphids, then the infestation can spread to the outer garden in no time.
The melon aphid is quite a menace in the southwestern parts of the US. It lives and eats 70 different plants, but mainly depends on plants like cucumber, pumpkin and citrus trees.
Oleander aphids are yellow in color, and they have black legs. And, their time of attacking plants is late spring. These aphids feed just on two plants, namely milkweed and butterfly weed. Although these aphids do not destroy plants, they can be annoying because of their number.
Rose aphids attack roses along with fruit trees and pyracatha. These aphids are quite unique as they do not lay eggs. Instead, they give birth to live offsprings.
If you know the gravity of the problem, then you can take appropriate steps to tackle aphid problem in your garden. In addition, you will also be able to figure out whether you need to resort to extreme measures.
Plants that are infested with aphids will always have signs. Look for discoloration on the leaves. The leaves will have tiny yellow spots. In addition, if the leaves of the plant are wilting and drying out for no reason whatsoever, then you have a problem with aphids. Another sign is shiny clear trails on leaves and stems. These trails are caused due to the honey dew secreted by aphids. Also, if you have unusual number of ants and flies on a tree, then you have an aphid problem. These insects are attracted due to the honey dew.
Some of the methods to control aphids are by using pesticides, or certain natural remedies.
Pesticides are used by many people to destroy aphids, but they may not work always because some aphids have resistance power against the pesticides. So you have to know which type of aphids have attacked your garden. It is better to call a professional if the area of infestation is too large. Pesticides can damage the environment and also be dangerous for pets at home, and as they spread from one place to another, they can adversely affect the local wildlife.
Natural Remedies for Aphids:
Eucalyptus oil is a natural way to get rid of aphids. It is sprayed directly onto the plants that are affected. It does not kill the aphids, but helps to control their numbers.
You can even try rubbing cloves of garlic onto the leaves and stems of infected plants. This works very well for a small infestation as garlic tends to kill the aphids.
Aphids can also be destroyed by using a natural homemade spray made by mixing dish washing soap, water and vegetable oil.Other predatory bugs are very useful in getting rid of aphids. Placing ladybugs in the infected areas will kill the aphids.
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