What Are Aphids?

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are usually found on the undersides of leaves or in the crevices of stems. Aphids come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, black, and brown. They reproduce quickly and can cause damage to plants by weakening them and transmitting diseases. Despite their negative effects, aphids are also an important part of the food chain for many insects and animals.

How Do Aphids Look?

Aphids are small, 1/16- to 1/8-inch-long (2-4 mm), pear-shaped, soft-bodied insects. They can range in color from green, black, red, yellow, brown or gray. Mature aphids can be wingless or can have wings. Winged aphids are similar in color but are a little darker.

How do aphids move?

Aphids themselves do not typically jump, although they can crawl and in certain situations may be able to fly.

When Are Aphids Most Active?

Aphids are most active during the spring and summer months when the weather is warm and hot and plants are actively growing. They tend to reproduce more quickly and feed more frequently during these times, causing damage to plants. However, some species of aphids can also be active during the fall months, particularly in warmer climates.

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What Type of Plants Do Aphids Like?

Aphids are known to feed on a variety of plants, including vegetables, fruits, and ornamental plants. Some of their favorite hosts include roses, beans, basil, lettuce, tomatoes, peppers, and cabbage. However, different species of aphids may have preferences for specific plants. They love nasturtiums, zinnias, asters, and cosmos.

10 Ways to Combat Aphids

Aphids can be a major pest in any garden, but there are several ways to combat them. Here are 10 effective methods:

1. Blast them with water: Use a strong stream of water to knock aphids off of your plants.

2. Use soap. Insecticidal soap: Insecticidal soap is a safe and effective way to kill aphids without harming beneficial insects.

3. Introduce natural predators: Ladybugs, lacewings, and other insects are natural predators of aphids and can help keep their populations under control. To naturally attract ladybugs, plant cosmos, parsley, and yarrow. To attract lacewings, plant cosmos and sunflowers. Although hoverflies don’t eat them, their larvae will. To attract hoverflies, plant marigold, cilantro, and alyssum.

4. Plant companion plants: Certain plants, such as marigolds and nasturtiums act as a trap plant and because they favor them more, they will ignore your plants that you want. However garlic, chives, mint, cilantro, catnip, fennel, and dill can repel aphids and other pests. Before using companion planting, make sure that the plants can be grown near each other without causing issues.

5. Use reflective mulch: Reflective mulch can disorient aphids and prevent them from finding your plants.

6. Use neem oil: Neem oil is a natural insecticide that can be used to control aphids.

7. Prune infected leaves: If you spot aphids on a plant, prune the infected leaves to prevent them from spreading.

8. Apply a sticky barrier: Sticky barriers, such as Tanglefoot, can trap aphids and prevent them from climbing up your plants.

9. Use a vacuum: A handheld vacuum can be an effective way to remove aphids from your plants.

10. Steep several cloves or bulbs in water with 1tbsp of cayenne pepper for several hours. Then strain and add 1 tbsp. of blue Dawn dish detergent. Add 1/3 cup of peroxide all to a spray bottle. Shake well and spray as needed.