How to Control Insects on Pepper Plants

Pepper plants are susceptible to aphids.

Pepper plants are susceptible to insect damage if one is not careful. Borers and armyworms can be found, but the most common insect that infests pepper plants is the aphid. Aphids have pear-shaped bodies that are smaller than 1/8 of an inch. They are found on the underside of the pepper plant's leaves. Controlling these insects can be a bit tricky, but it can be done.

Things You'll Need

• Beneficial insects
• Dish soap
• Water
• Spray bottle
• Insecticide

Instructions

1. Introduce natural predators into your vegetable garden. Lady beetles, flower flies, damsel bugs and lacewing larvae will attack aphids and keep their population in check. Some large garden centers will sell beneficial insects, but chances are you will have to purchase them online.

2. Spray the insects with a homemade insecticidal soap. According to Colorado State University, soaps can control a large range of insects. They recommend combining 4 tsp. of liquid dish soap to 1 qt. of warm water. Mix it in a spray bottle and spray directly on the insects that are invading your pepper plants. Completely soak the insects and repeat every four to seven days until you no longer see any evidence that insects are present.

3. Apply an insecticide only after all other methods have failed. Pyrethroid based insecticides are preferred for borers, while a spray containing the active ingredient Bacillus thuringiensis var azawai is successful against armyworms. Aphids are harder to control with insecticides as they have become immune to so many. Acephate and methymul, however, are recommended for use on aphids by the University of Connecticut. Follow all directions on the insecticide label for safety and effectiveness.

Tips & Warnings

• Aphids do not need to mate to reproduce. You can have a whole new generation of aphids in as little as one week. Keep an eye on your pepper plants often to spot the aphids before they become out of control.

• Aphids will become resistant to the repeated use of an insecticide.

References

• University of Connecticut: Pepper Integrated Pest Management: Aphids
• The University of Kentucky: Common Insects Attacking Peppers; Ric Bessin; January 2004
• Colorado State University: Insect Control: Soaps and Detergents; W.S. Cranshaw ; May 2010

Resources

• Buglady Consulting: Where to buy "The Good Bugs"