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One of the most common, and most invasive garden pests is the aphid. They are tiny green, white or clear insects that feed on your plants by sucking out fluids from new plant growth. They generally appear in spring and, if left untreated, will continue to feed on your garden until the food supply is gone or the plant enters winter dormancy. In the fall, aphids lay eggs on plant stems. In the spring, winged aphids emerge and immediately look for tender new plant growth. There, they lay a new batch of eggs that will produce a new generation of aphids in about a week. Each aphid can lay 50-100 eggs, meaning that in a few short weeks, your garden will be overwhelmed.
Aphids Treatment – Early Detection
Although they are considered host specific, i.e. there are rose aphids, corn aphids, etc., they are not picky. If a rose aphid cannot find a supply of rose plants, they are happy to feed on your crape myrtle trees instead. Aphid infestations are capable of decimating your landscape plants in a matter of days. The good news is that they are fairly easy to get rid of with early detection. Check your garden frequently for signs of aphid infestation. Look for new leaves that are turning yellow or curling up. Also check for the presence of honeydew or sooty mold on new leaves. If you see any of these signs, check new growth and the undersides of leaves for the aphids themselves.
Aphids Treatment – Organic Methods
Whenever possible, use organic methods to eliminate aphids. There are a number of non-toxic treatment and control methods. Spray the affected plants with a mix of insecticidal soap, water, and oil. You can also purchase aphid traps that are similar to flypaper. They are brightly colored, which attracts the aphid and have a gluey substance on them. When aphids land on the trap, the glue holds them until they die. There are also commercially produced organic sprays designed for aphid control. However, they do not work any better than the soap and water treatment and are a lot more expensive.
Aphids Treatment – Biological Control
You can also control the spread of aphids through bio-friendly methods. Add plant growth to your garden that are resistant to aphids, such as plants that contain a milky sap. Create an environment that attracts aphid predators. Plant dill, fennel and brightly colored flowers to attract ladybugs and lacewings. Both of these insects feed on aphids. Hummingbirds are another natural aphid predator so purchase a hummingbird feeder and hang it near your most vulnerable plants. Only use chemical pesticides as a last resort. Keep in mind that pesticide use will not only kill aphids, but also the good insects like ladybugs, bees, and lacewings.
It is important that you take decisive action to counteract an aphid infestation. Aphids weaken plants and make them susceptible to disease and other pests. Since they steal a plant’s vital nutrients, aphid infestations can stunt your plants growth or even kill it outright. Aphids treatment is easy and inexpensive – much less expensive than replacing plants destroyed by an aphid infestation.
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Author Bio Box: Patricia Wainwright
Get all the facts about pest and disease and gardening articles at GreenThumbArticles.com!
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