How to control aphids naturally in your garden.

Aphids are pesky insects that drain the life out of your plants eventually killing them. They are also called greenfly and blackfly. There are about 5000 species of aphids among which 400 of them are found in food or fibre crops. Aphids reproduce rapidly and increase in large numbers within a few days. This is because aphids can reproduce without males. Young aphids mature rapidly and give birth to nymphs that are already pregnant. This way of reproducing is asexual and called as parthenogenesis. Aphids form a symbiotic relationship with ants. Aphids secrete honeydew which is consumed by ants. Ants in turn protect them from predators. Aphids must be controlled during the initial stages or else it becomes difficult to get rid of them from your gardens.

Here is how you can identify them

Check the underside of leaves or check for plant leaves for curling, yellowing of leaves and stunted growth. Spraying the insects with a large stream of water is one way to get rid of them.

How to control aphids

1. Neem Oil

Using neem oil on leaves inhibits the life cycle of the larvae. If you use it on the leaves it can also repel the beneficial insects. It’s best to use it with caution. You can use it by referring back to the product. You can also dilute neem oil with water and a few drops of liquid dish soap. You can then add it to the spray bottle and use it on your plants.

2. Insecticidal Soap

Mix one tablespoon of dish wash soap with one quart of water. You can use Castile soap. Castile soap is a vegetable soap free from animal fats and synthetic ingredients. It’s best to test this solution on the plant’s leaves before you use them. Spray this solution on the leaves and wait for a  few days. If the leaves remain unaffected you can use this solution on aphid-affected plants.

3. Cayenne pepper

Take one quart of water and add a teaspoon of dish soap and a pinch of cayenne pepper. Use this solution on your plants.

4. Diatomaceous Earth

 Simply sprinkle this powder on the aphids. This is a non-toxic organic material that dehydrates aphids. Avoid using this on blooming flowers as it can kill pollinators such as bees and butterflies.

5. Tomato leaves

You can also use tomato leaves as a pesticide. Tomato leaves contain a compound that aphids dislike. Take 2 cups of chopped tomato leaves and add it to 2 cups of water. Soak this pesticide overnight. Then strain the liquid using a cheesecloth. Then dilute it before you use it on your plants.

Some of the other ways to control aphids in your garden are by companion planting and by introducing beneficial insects.

Make sure your garden is attractive to beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps. These insects feed on aphids and help to control these insects.

6. Practise Companion Planting

Companion planting is a technique where two or more plants are grown next to one another. Growing plants such as Nasturtium, chives, garlic, marigolds, dill, cilantro and catnip can repel aphids.