Eco-friendly Control of Aphids in the Garden

Ants, lady beetles and a clear sticky substance on your leaves are good indications that aphids have moved into your garden for a meal. 

These small tear-dropped shaped insects come in a variety of colors including black, brown, green, red, and peach. 

These pests have needle-like mouthparts and suck plant juices, causing leaves to curl, yellow, brown become distorted and stunted when populations and feeding levels are high.

The aphids secrete a clear sticky substance called honeydew.  Ants often move in to feed on this sweet tasty treat.

And if you see lady beetles, nature has moved in to control this pest.  Both the adults and larvae can eat hundreds of aphids in one day.

Start treatment, if needed, with a strong blast of water.  This dislodges and kills many of the aphids.  Follow with eco-friendly products like insecticidal soap, Horticulture oil, or Neem.  Repeat weekly as needed.

A bit more information: A black fungus called sooty mold will occasionally develop on this sticky liquid.  The fungus feeds on the honeydew not the plant. Fortunately, controlling the aphids will help wash off and prevent the sooty mold.

Tags

sustainable-gardening aphids honeydew lady-beetles

Related

Audio

Non-toxic Management of Pests on Indoor Plants

Audio

Recycle, Don’t Bag or Burn, Fall Leaves

Audio

Coffee Grounds Benefit the Garden

Audio

Be a Gardenwise Weather Watcher

Audio

Plant Your Own Fertilizer - Cover Cropping and Green Manuring

Audio

Ants in Trees

Audio

Easy and Free Homemade Berry Harvest Basket

Audio

Pallets Add Function and Beauty to the Landscape

Audio

Celebrate Earth Day on April 22

Audio

Sustainable, Low Maintenance Keyhole Gardening

• « Previous
• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4
• 5
• 6
• 7
• 8
• 9
• ...
• 19
• 20
• Next »