Aphids are common pest
of home garden. They are attracted to new growths on plants. Aphids reproduce
and move from one plant to another plant very quickly so it is important to
control them as soon as signs of infestation appear. Below are the tips of
identifying and treating aphids.
Aphids
Aphids are tiny ( 1/32’’
to 1/8’’ ) pear shaped green, white, black, brown or pink sap sucking insects
having long antennae and two hind projection out of posterior abdomen. Aphids
reproduce and multiply in no time. It takes nymphs 1-2 weeks to reproduce. Female
lays eggs on leaves, bark and eggs hatch
in following spring. In very mild climates and in greenhouses aphids may reproduce
whole year. Aphids are highly mobile, they move from one
plant to another very quickly. Aphids secret a sugary substance called honeydew
which attracts ants as well as allows a sooty mold to grow.
Identifying Aphids
Watch for green, black
or pink pear shaped insects on new growths like soft green stem and flower buds
as Aphids tend to infest on new growths of the plant. This result in deformed young
foliage and flower buds falling off the plant.
Treating Aphids
1. Press
and kill mealy bugs in case of small infestation, it sends off chemical signal
that may warn other aphids.
2. Snip
off the plant part if infection is seen in only a part of the plant.
3. Wash
aphids away with strong blast of water. Repeat it if required.
4. Wash
the plants with water mixed with mild detergent.
5. Use
a homemade garlic spray, mix crushed garlic with water and allow water to
become infused with garlic scent. Aphid doesn’t like smell of garlic and move
away from the plant.
6. Wipe
aphids off the plants using cotton soaked in rubbing alcohol.
7. Buy
ladybugs or parasitic wasps which feed on aphids. You can order them online.
8. Use
neem oil spray, it is derived from neem tree ( Azadirachta indica ). It is safe to use neem oil on food, vegetable
and ornamental plants.
8. Purchase
insecticidal soap from market. It works on aphid’s cell membrane making it weak
and collapse ultimately resulting in fluid loss from aphid body thus killing
it.
Check out tips for controlling Mealy bugs infestation and Powdery mildew on plants.
Check out tips for controlling Mealy bugs infestation and Powdery mildew on plants.
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