A Natural Repellent for an Aphid

You can control aphids without using harsh chemical treatment.

Aphids, most prevalent in moist, warm environments, can be voracious pests in gardens or on houseplants. Many pesticides control this pest, but there also are many natural aphid repellents.

Chemical Controls

Natural botanical insecticides like pyrethrins or neem can control aphids. Teas made from stinging nettles, the leaves of tomato, elderberry, horseradish or rhubarb and sprays made from lemon, vinegar or garlic oil can all be applied to plants to deter aphids.

Biological Controls

Some insects are natural predators of aphids. Three available commercially are the green lacewing, the aphid-eating gall midge and the convergent lady beetle. Gardeners can also grow plants that are known to attract these predators, such as Queen Anne's lace, yarrow, hairy vetch, white sweet and crimson clovers, tansy, sweet fennel, sweet alyssum, spearmint, flowering buckwheat, cowpeas and common knotweed.

Repellent Plants

Several plant species deter aphids. The following plants are good companion plants that repel aphids: anise, onion, chives, leeks, garlic, cilantro and radish. Nasturtiums can be used as a trap crop for aphids, which are particularly drawn to yellow flowers.

References

• Michigan State University Extension: Companion Planting
• Oregon State University Extension Service: How to control aphids with less toxic methods