Have you noticed distorted leaves, a sticky substance on leaves or stems, or a sooty, black coating on your plants?
If so, you may have an aphid problem.
While aphids are persistent garden pets, eliminating them is possible.
Here at The Pest Dude, we’ve been helping people learn to do their own pest control for more than 20 years, and we’ve compiled our top tips into this blog.
Key Takeaways
- To get rid of aphids, determine whether you have a small or large outbreak and choose a method, such as horticultural soaps or oils, or foliar sprays, to manage it accordingly.
- Since pests like ants can destroy the natural predators of aphids, you'll need to get rid of ants, as well.
- If you're having trouble getting rid of aphids on your property, contact a pest control professional in your area for more help.
How to Control a Small Aphid Outbreak
If you have a small aphid outbreak (confined to a few plants or a specific area), the damage to your plants will likely be minimal, and the pest population will be relatively low.
In that case, here are a few control methods that can help restore order:
1. Soap and Water Spray
If aphids have affected your vegetable or rose bushes, you can use a dish soap mixture to get rid of them.
How to do this:
Mix water with a few drops of mild dish soap in a handheld spray bottle.
Spritz the mixture directly on the aphids to kill them without harming your plants or flowers.
Make sure to spray the entire plant, including both the top and bottom of the leaves.
Repeat the application every 2-3 days until the aphids are eliminated.
Pros:
- Simple to make and use with everyday household ingredients.
- Eco-friendly and safe for most plants when used properly.
- Effectively manages small aphid populations without chemicals.
Cons:
- You might need to apply it several times to get rid of all the aphids.
- Using too much can leave soap residue, which could harm your plants.
- It may not work well for large outbreaks or plants that are heavily infested.
Recommended product(s):
2. Horticultural Soaps
Horticultural soaps are a form of eco-friendly pest control specifically formulated to target and kill soft-bodied insects without harming the plants they’re living on.
Most formulas work by disrupting the cell membranes of the aphids, which kills them quickly.
These soaps are ideal for anyone who wants to kill aphids without using harsh chemicals, but they should be used carefully on hot days since they can cause plant leaves to scorch in the sun.
How to do this:
Spray both the top and bottom of plant leaves to coat insects fully.
Apply early morning or late evening to reduce leaf burn from the sun.
Repeat every 1-2 weeks or as needed to control aphids.
Pros:
- Designed specifically for garden pests, delivering targeted and effective results.
- Safe for most plants and wildlife when used as directed.
- Acts quickly against aphids and other soft-bodied insects.
Cons:
- Can cause leaf burn if used in the heat of the day.
- Needs to be reapplied regularly, especially after rain or heavy watering.
- Might not work well against larger pest populations or tough insects.
Recommended product(s):
3. Get Rid Of Ants
Ants and aphids go hand-in-hand. Ants protect aphids from most of their natural predators. In turn, aphids produce the honeydew that ants love to feed on.
This means one thing:
If you want to control aphids, you’ve also got to focus on getting rid of ants.
How to do this:
Protect your trees from access by ants by using a product called Tangle Foot (a sticky material that prevents ants from climbing the trunk) around the base of the trees.
As long as your tree isn’t touching any other trees or structures, this can wipe out both scale and aphids within one season.
Pros:
- Tangle Foot acts as a highly effective physical barrier
- This non-toxic solution is safe for use in organic gardening
- Remains effective for about two months – reducing the need for frequent reapplications.
Cons:
- This product can be messy to apply
- While it prevents ants from climbing, it does not directly address other aphid issues unrelated to ants.
- Effectiveness may be reduced in adverse environmental conditions such as heavy rain, requiring reapplication.
Recommended product(s):
4. Introduction of Natural Predators
Natural predators like ladybugs can be effective at controlling aphid populations as long as you’re content with a solution that offers long-term, rather than immediate, results.
How to do This:
Release the ladybugs in the early evening to help them adjust and reduce the chance of them flying away.
Before letting them go, lightly mist the plants with water to give them a drink and help them settle on the leaves.
Pros:
- Provides an environmentally friendly method of pest control, reducing the need for chemical pesticides.
- Helps maintain the natural balance of the ecosystem, as ladybugs prey specifically on aphids and certain other small insects.
- Supports biodiversity, contributing beneficial insects to the garden.
Cons:
- Efficacy can vary.
- Success depends heavily on suitable weather conditions and a conducive garden environment.
- Requires ongoing maintenance to maintain a ladybug-friendly environment and may necessitate additional releases.
Recommended product(s):
How to Control Larger Aphid Infestations
If the aphid colonies in your garden have multiplied excessively and caused significant damage to your plants, here are a few control methods we recommend:
1. Systemic Insecticides
Systemic insecticides are a great way to manage widespread aphid infestations.
When these products are applied to the roots of trees, the solution travels up into the leaves to poison hungry aphids.
While system insecticides are effective, they take time to work—weeks or months, depending on the season in which you apply them.
That said, they’re an integral part of any long-term aphid control plan.
How to do This:
To apply systemic insecticides effectively, start by choosing the right product designed for aphid control.
Dilute the insecticide according to the manufacturer’s instructions, and apply it to the soil around the base of affected plants or trees.
Ensure thorough soil saturation, so the roots can absorb the solution effectively.
To facilitate effective uptake, complete this process during the plant’s active growing season.
Pros:
- Offers long-term protection as the insecticide moves through the plant’s vascular system, protecting new growth from aphids.
- Reduces the need for frequent reapplication since the product targets the pests from within the plant.
- Minimizes exposure to beneficial insects and other wildlife indirectly.
Cons:
- Takes time to become effective, requiring patience before results are noticeable.
- May not be suitable for edible plants, as the chemical can persist in the plant tissues.
- Potential environmental impacts, particularly if used improperly or in large quantities.
Recommended product(s):
2. Horticultural Oils
Horticultural oils work by smothering aphids and their larvae, making them a great choice for anyone dealing with large infestations.
These oils can be used in any season, although they will burn leaves on hot days.
How to do This:
To use horticultural oils effectively, mix the oil with water as instructed on the product label, ensuring the correct concentration.
Apply the mixture using a sprayer, coating both the top and underside of leaves thoroughly. It’s important to use this treatment during cooler parts of the day to prevent leaf burn and avoid applying during hot, sunny weather.
Repeat the application as needed throughout the year to manage aphids and other pests.
Pros:
- Safe for most beneficial insects and can be used around pollinators without significant harm.
- Effective in controlling not only aphids but also a range of soft-bodied insects and mites.
- Suitable for use on a variety of plants, including fruits and vegetables, with minimal risk of chemical residues.
Cons:
- Requires thorough and consistent application for effective pest control.
- May cause leaf burn if applied during high temperatures or in direct sunlight.
- Oil-based formulas can be difficult to clean from application equipment.
Recommended product(s):
3. Foliar Sprays
When applied directly to the canopy of the trees, foliar sprays are an effective way to control aphids.
How to do This:
To prepare the solution, mix the insecticide with water according to the product instructions.
Using a backpack sprayer, apply the spray to all sides of the leaves during the early morning or late afternoon.
Avoid using foliar sprays when there’s rain in the forecast, and be sure to monitor your results and re-apply the treatment, if needed.
Pros:
- Provides systemic protection
- Reduces the need for frequent applications
- Less impact on beneficial insects
Cons:
- Potential for drift, which can lead to unintentional damage to nearby plants or sensitive areas.
- Over-application may lead to nutrient runoff or soil contamination.
4. Nutrient and Water Management
Say it with us:
Healthy plants are resistant to aphids.
The best way to keep aphids off your trees and plants is to ensure the plants have access to the nutrients they need to thrive.
While it can be tough to get a comprehensive picture of plant health without a good horticultural scientist on your side, you can take some steps on your own to keep your plants as robust as possible.
How to do This:
Introduce complete organic fertilizers that break down slowly in the soil microbes.
Additionally, monitor your plants to catch aphid infestations early—before they get out of control.
Look for tell-tale signs like yellowing, curling leaves, or sticky residue.
Spotting these issues early allows you to take measures to protect your plants’ health and support their natural defenses.
Pros:
- Proper nutrient and water management boosts plant strength, helping them resist aphids and other pests.
- Giving plants the right nutrients and moisture encourages healthy growth for vibrant gardens.
- Healthy plants can naturally repel pests, reducing the need for harmful chemicals.
- By ensuring nutrient-rich soil and enough water, gardeners can support sustainability and manage pests effectively.
Cons:
- Managing nutrients and water needs regular monitoring, which can be tough for busy gardeners.
- Over-fertilizing or over-watering can harm plants instead of helping them.
- Organic fertilizers and irrigation systems often have higher initial costs compared to conventional options.
- Finding the right balance of nutrients and water may take some trial and error, especially for beginners.
Recommended Product(s):
5. Cleaning Up Old Leaves and Plant Debris
Cleaning up old leaves and plant debris is a simple way to break the aphid life cycle.
The reason is simple:
Aphids can use leftover plant materials to breed, which leads to ongoing infestations.
Removing debris during the growing season can significantly reduce aphid numbers and help prevent future outbreaks.
How to do This:
Regularly check for and remove dead leaves, branches, and other plant debris from your garden.
Use a rake or leaf blower to clear out any potential hiding spots for aphids.
Consider incorporating a composting system into your gardening routine to dispose of organic materials properly.
Pros:
- Removing debris can also help prevent the spread of other pests and diseases.
Cons:
- Time-consuming and will not kill existing aphid infestations
Recommended Product(s):
6. Organic Pesticides
Organic options like Bacillus thuringiensis and azadirachtin can effectively control aphids without posing the same risks as synthetic chemicals.
Bacillus thuringiensis specifically targets and kills pests like aphids without harming beneficial insects, while azadirachtin disrupts aphid growth and reproduction.
How to do This:
Apply Bacillus thuringiensis or azadirachtin as per the manufacturer’s instructions, focusing on the undersides of leaves where aphids tend to congregate.
It’s important to apply these treatments during the cooler parts of the day, such as early morning or late afternoon, to prevent evaporation and maximize their potency.
Reapply the treatment according to the recommended schedule until the aphids are under control, while ensuring that beneficial insects are not harmed in the process.
Remember that just because a pesticide is labeled as organic DOES NOT mean it’s safe to handle without precautions.
Always wear protective gear while handling pesticides and clean any equipment used thoroughly after application.
Make sure all pesticides are labeled for the plants you’re applying them to, and avoid spraying edible vegetables with products not labeled for use on edible plants.
Pros:
- Organic pesticides are safer for the environment, beneficial insects, and human health.
- They can be used on many different plants without fear of harmful residues.
- Organic pesticides break down faster in the environment, lowering the risk of long-term soil and water contamination.
Cons:
- Organic pesticides can be less effective in severe infestations, needing repeated applications for noticeable results.
- They often break down faster than synthetic ones, requiring more frequent treatments.
- Organic pesticides usually cost more than synthetic options, which can be a concern for large-scale use.
- Some organic pesticides work best under specific conditions or temperatures, limiting their effectiveness in different climates.
- Certain organic options target specific pests and lack the broad-spectrum effectiveness of conventional pesticides.
Recommended Products:
When to Call a Professional Pest Control Company
If you see that an aphid infestation is really bad, keeps coming back, or doesn’t respond to DIY methods, it’s important to call a pest control professional.
Pest control pros use specialized tools and treatments that aren’t available to the average person, which makes it easier for them to tackle your aphid problem quickly, effectively, and completely.
How to Prevent Future Infestations
No matter how effective your control strategies are, preventing an aphid infestation is always easier than managing one.
Here’s how to keep your plants aphid-free:
- Limit High-Nitrogen Fertilizers: Use fertilizers low in nitrogen. Excess nitrogen can promote rapid plant growth and create ideal feeding conditions for aphids.
- Opt for Organic Pest Control: Use natural solutions – like introducing ladybugs or applying neem oil – whenever possible. This is a good way to manage aphids without harmful chemicals.
- Maintain Healthy Plants: Ensure that plants receive proper care and nutrition, as healthy plants are more resilient to pest invasions.
- Monitor and Maintain Soil Moisture: Regularly check and adjust soil moisture levels to prevent stress on plants, as stressed plants can be more susceptible to aphid attacks.
Let us Help You Find the Pro You Need to Get Rid of Aphids
If your DIY methods haven’t worked, it may be time to contact a professional pest management company.
Here at Pest Dude, we work with a nationwide network of skilled, reliable pest control professionals.
Call us at (844) 532-0076, and we’ll connect you with an expert in your area who can help you resolve your aphid problem!
Get a Free Quote
Give us a call today to receive your free, no-obligation pest control quote.
DIY Pest Control FAQs
Aphids, also called plant lice, are small, soft-bodied insects with needle-like, sucking mouthparts. They’re commonly found in gardens.
They come in various colors, including green, black, brown, yellow, pink, and white, and are usually 1 to 10 millimeters long.
Most aphids don’t have wings, but some can grow wings during certain stages, which helps them move to new plants and habitats.
Aphids also produce a sticky substance called honeydew, which can lead to the growth of sooty mold and attract other pests like ants.
Despite their small size, aphids can reproduce quickly, so it’s important to detect and control them early to prevent infestations.
Aphid damage on plants can show up in several ways.
One of the first signs is usually distorted or curled leaves, which occur as a result of the aphids sucking the sap out of plants and preventing normal leaf growth.
Another sign is yellowing leaves, which occurs when the plant begins to lose nutrients to aphid feeding.
Aphids also leave a sticky residue called honeydew on leaves and stems, which creates sooty mold growth and can make the affected areas look black and dusty.
As this mold grows, it disrupts photosynthesis and adds more stress to the plant.
Without proper treatment, severe aphid infestations can stunt plant growth and decrease the plant’s health and productivity.
Aphid infestations occur for a few reasons.
One major factor is the presence of host plants that are high in sap, which aphids love to feed on.
Warm temperatures and high humidity also help aphids multiply quickly, while the lack of natural predators like ladybugs and lacewings—often caused by pesticide use—allows aphids to thrive unchecked.
Certain plant management practices, like over-fertilizing with nitrogen, can also make plants more appealing to aphids by encouraging lots of soft, lush growth.
