Aphids are soft-bodied parasites which feed on the sap of phloem of a plant, these can vary in size from 1 to 10 mm and can travel long distances. Once they infect any plant they suck sap and also release toxins present in their saliva which gradually causes plant death. Aphids are crop destroyers. These breed very quickly, although killing them is easy.
Simply cold and hot winds and rain can kill them but their rapid growth and ability to destroy a plant very quickly make them feared predators of crops. When the plant gets infected with aphids it shows symptoms like stunted growth; curled, molted or yellow leaves and slow growth rate.
No yield is obtained from the plant and plant dies off slowly. Home remedies for aphids are effective ways to prevent infection and also remove aphids before they can destroy plants in your garden or field.
Home Remedies for Aphids
Garlic and Mineral Oil – Home Remedy for Aphids
Soak 4 to 5 cloves of garlic in two tablespoons of mineral oil, let the mixture sit overnight, in the morning strain the mixture and discard garlic pieces. Add the oil to half a liter of water and a teaspoon of dish wash; store this mixture in a bottle. Whenever you want to use take two tablespoons of this mixture and add to half a liter of water.
If you are using this mixture over soft plants double the quantity of water. Fill a spray bottle with the mixture and spray over aphids patches. This is one of the very effective home remedies for aphids.
To prevent any harm to plants try this mixture over one leaf first, check that leaf in the morning. If it has not dried or turned yellow or pale, the mixture is harmless for plant and can be used.
Garlic – Simple Home Remedy for Aphids
Garlic can be used in preparing another one of the simple home remedies for aphids. Take three garlic cloves, crush them and blend them with water, strain the mixture and discard garlic cloves. Add two tablespoons of blackstrap molasses and store the mixture. Take half cup of this mixture and add to a liter of water and spray over plants to get rid of aphids.
Tomato Leaves – Natural Treatment to Treat Aphids
Take two cups of chopped tomato leaves, soak these with two cups of water and let them sit overnight. In the morning strain the mixture and discard leaves, add two more cups of water and spray the mixture over plants with a spray bottle.
This is one of the simple home remedies for aphids. Spraying 70% or 90% isopropyl alcohol with the help of a spray bottle is also one of the best home remedies for aphids.
Bananas – Home Remedy to Cure Aphids
Bananas provide one of the simple home remedies for aphids. Take two bananas or more according to the number of plants and mash them to form a paste. Apply this paste at the stem of the plant forming a circular strip. Banana pulp will attract aphids and these will stick to the pulp and die.
Liquid Dish Wash – Natural Treatment for Aphids
Take about 600 to 700 ml of water, heat it to make it warm. Add two tablespoons of liquid dish wash to the water. Spray this mixture over the plant. This will weaken aphids and kill them in a short time. Another mixture can be prepared by adding three parts of warm water, one part of horticulture oil and a few drops of dish wash. Spray this mixture over the plant to kill aphids in a short time. Both of these are useful home remedies for aphids.
Ladybugs and lacewings are natural predators of aphids; invite them to your garden to munch on these parasites which are feeding on your beautiful plants. Commercial ladybug food is available in the market which can be sprinkled to invite them or you can purchase ladybugs and lacewings from any nursery.
Growing plants which can scare aphids away is also effective home remedies for aphids. Garlic and onion are two such plants which by their smell can prevent aphids from coming. Just reap few plants of these in your garden and stay free from aphids. Both of these are the best home remedies for aphids.
Neem Oil – Natural Treatment to Treat Aphids
Neem oil is completely safe for plants and is effective aphid’s killer. You can apply this over leaves of infected plants and spray it over colonies of aphids to kill them instantly.
Diatomaceous earth is another very safe insecticide which is harmless for helpful insects like ladybugs but is efficient aphid’s killer. Just sprinkle this around your plants to clear aphids. Both of these are the best home remedies for aphids.
Frequently inspect your plants and take a proper look beneath the leaves. These predators initially hide under the leaves and then spread all over the plant. Early diagnoses can save your plants. Once a week, water your plants with a strong spray, water can also knock aphids off and kill them.
Do not over-fertilize your garden, use fertilizers which are slow releasers, compost is the best as it takes some time to decay and from fertilizer. Fast-acting fertilizers invite aphids to feed on.
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