How to Kill Aphids on House Plants

Aphids are a common garden pest. The good news is they are easy to kill and cause generally superficial, short term damage. Most of the time, their natural enemies and hot temperatures will get rid of any infestations. There are times when some intervention is needed and simple ways to do this with or without the use of pesticides.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Pruning shears
• Insecticidal soap
• Rubbing alcohol
• Commercial insecticide

Instructions

General Tips

1. Inspect houseplants regularly for aphid infestation. Aphids are usually less than 1/8-inch long and have soft, pear-shaped bodies that can be any color. Unique to aphids are two tubes that project from their hindquarters called cornicles, from which they feed on the plants.

2. Spray the houseplant with a brisk flow of water or, in the case of delicate foliage, dip the plants in water. This should shake loose any aphids that are on the leaves.

3. Prune away any damaged or infested leaves and stems.

Insecticidal Soap for Houseplants

1. Mix the insecticidal soap solution according to directions on the packaging, or you can make a homemade soap/water solution using 2 tsp. of dish or laundry soap mixed in a bottle of lukewarm water. This solution will destroy the protective coating on the aphids' bodies and dehydrate them.

2. Spray the solution all over the plant as directed by the product instructions. The soap should dissolve the aphids' bodies.

3. Wait approximately 30 minutes then wash the soap solution off the plant with water. This will prevent damage to the leaves.

Rubbing Alcohol

1. Place the alcohol in a spray bottle. It can be used either diluted or undiluted.

2. Spray the plant thoroughly with the alcohol.

3. Place the plant in an area free of drafts until the liquid dries on the plant. Repeat this procedure every few days for one to three weeks.

Tips & Warnings

• Commercial insecticides may be used on a stubborn infestation. Spray the infected plants outside and refrain from bringing indoors until the insecticide has dried completely on the leaves. Isolate any new plants and introduce them slowly to your arrangements. This will help stop an aphid infestation from beginning. Wash hands and tools in between handling different plant to avoid cross-contamination.

• Use care when buying a commercial insecticidal spray. Only a few are approved for use in the home.

References

• Northwest Coalition for Alternatives to Pesticides
• University of Kentucky Department of Entomology

Resources

• Homemade Remedies for Aphid Control