How to Kill Aphids

Aphids are one of the less pleasant heralds of springtime. Then they stay around for the rest of the growing season just to be a nuisance. You can use one of the many insecticides available on the market, or opt for a more eco-friendly choice. Here are some tips on how to kill those nasty little aphids!

Instructions

1. Aphids love to cluster on soft new plant tissue which is why they love the fresh tips of plants in spring. Since this growth is very sensitive, aphids can do a lot of damage. They are small, fat-bodied insects that suck the juices out of the plant. One or two wouldn't cause any problem, but aphids multiply into huge colonies at an astonishing rate and can smother young leaves, buds and growth tips.

2. The best way to get rid of aphids is to blast them off with water from a hose. It's cheap, easy and totally safe. Unfortunately, since a number of aphids will probably be missed and they multiply so fast, you are likely to see them returning before long. Be aware aphids have weak spindly legs and once knocked off of their plant, are unable to crawl back up. So in order to keep those aphids off, you need to keep washing them off on a regular basis before new colonies re-establish themselves.

3. Another good way to get rid of aphids is to use an insecticidal soap. There are several brands of insecticidal soap you can buy at garden centers and home stores. With no toxic residue, these soaps are safe and easy to use. They work as contact insecticides so you have to make direct contact with the aphids for the soap to work. Look under leaves and spray into hard-to-get-at places.

4. Natural predators are a great way to battle aphids. Insects like the ladybug and the lacewing (including their larval forms) are ravenous feeders on aphids.

5. There are other chemical and ecologically friendly treatments to kill aphids. These are just some suggestions. I do recommend avoiding chemical treatments for edibles whenever possible. Aphids can be very persistent and will also attract a lot of ants. For more information on gardening and how to kill aphids, please check into the Resources listed below.

Resources

• Gardening and landscape design information and ideas
• More good details on getting rid of aphids
• eHow Spring Guide