How to Kill Aphids With Pyrethrum
A natural insecticide and member of the chrysanthemum family, the pyrethrum plant prefers to grow in USDA hardiness zones 3 through 7. Pyrethrum grows to heights of 24 inches and its white, pink or red flowers bloom in the summer, exposing their bright yellow centers. The flowers of the pyrethrum plant harbor the insecticide that gardeners can utilize to kill aphids and other pests in the garden. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Pyrethrum plants
- Pyrethrum seeds
- Pyrethrum flowers
- Mortar
- Pestle
- Boiling water
- Clean spray bottle
- Dish soap
- Commercial pyrethrum insecticide
Instructions
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1
Plant pyrethrum plants in your garden. Pyrethrum plants make good companion plants and can ward off the aphids that prey on your plants. Planted from seed, pyrethrum will germinate in 7 to 10 days.
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2
Mix an insecticide spray by grinding up 1 cup of pyrethrum flowers with a mortar and pestle. Add the ground pyrethrum flowers to 2 quarts of boiling water.
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3
Allow the mixture to cool and then pour it into a clean spray bottle. Add a squirt of dish soap to the pyrethrum insecticide solution and spray it on the plants affected by aphids.
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4
Make a powdered insecticide by grinding up the pyrethrum flower heads. Sprinkle the powdered pyrethrum over plants that show signs of aphid infestations.
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5
Purchase a commercial pyrethrum based insecticide from a garden center or nursery. Apply the insecticide to the plants according to manufacturer's instructions.
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Tips & Warnings
Pyrethrum based insecticides only last for a period of about 24 hours. Therefore, it will need reapplying in order to maintain its effectiveness. However, because of its short lifespan, it wears off giving you a window of time between applications to pick your vegetables, safely.
Do not use pyrethrum as a companion plant for garlic, Brussels sprouts, cabbage, cauliflower and broccoli.
Wear rubber gloves when handling pyrethrum flowers, sprays and powders.
Plant pyrethrum plants out of the reach of children and pets.
