Keep Aphids Out of Your Garden with Two Control Methods
How to Treat Your Garden If You Have Aphids?
Aphids are small insects that colonize and feed on many types of garden plants, including trees and shrubs. They can be of various colors – black, green, brown, pink, red or yellow. Some have a waxy or wooly appearance due to a secretion of a waxy or white substance. If they are not eliminated on time, a small infestation of aphids can turn into a big problem in just a couple of days, causing damage to your shrubs, trees, and other plants, and spreading disease.
Photo by Blake Layton | Mississippi State University Extension Service
If your garden plants fall victim to a particular aphid called Hackberry Wooly Aphids, you’ll easily see why. These nasty little creatures reproduce with amazing speed, creating a fall “snow” effect. Worry not! Here we show you two control methods to stop them from becoming a severe problem.
Biological Aphid Control
Natural enemies can do a fantastic job controlling aphids. Ladybugs, lacewings or parasitic wasps will feed on aphids. You can also introduce plants like aster, hollyhock, larkspur, mum, or nasturtium that attract aphids to lure the insects away from your green area.
Chemical Aphid Control
If you go down the chemical control road, try first an insecticidal soap or oil, such as canola or neem oil. These products will kill aphids by smothering them. The mixture should only be 1-2% oil solution in water. Keep in mind that you may need to apply the mixture several times, preferably in late winter or early spring, as it only kills the aphids present the day of treatment. There are stronger products available. You can contact a professionally licensed company like Secure Lawn to apply this type of product.
Hire the Best to Eliminate Aphids from Your Garden
Have questions about aphids and your level of infestation? Call us at 615-893-8455. Our experts can evaluate your plants and help you determine a course of action.
