Although small in size, aphids can cause serious destruction to a garden or residential landscape.
An infestation may begin with just a few of these insects, but as they reproduce it can quickly spiral out of control.
It doesn’t take long for an aphid infestation to consume healthy plants, feasting on the organic matter. So, how can you protect your garden from aphids?
What are Aphids?
Let’s first go over the basics of aphids, as some people are likely hearing about them for the first time.
Aphids are small insects in the Aphidoidea family that thrive on plant matter. There are some 4,400 different species of aphids, some of which are more invasive than others.
Due to their destructive behavior, though, aphids are a serious nuisance for gardeners, landscapers and homeowners alike.
Getting Rid of Aphids
Arguably, one of the easiest – although temporary – ways to remove aphids is to spray them using a medium-pressure hose.
Aphids typically rest on the surface of a plant and its leaves, meaning you can wash them off with a garden hose. Depending on the strength of the hose, this may even neutralize them so they can no longer move.
With that said, hosing down your plants is a temporary solution at best. If you want to eliminate aphids from your garden once and for all, you’ll need to look elsewhere for a longer-lasting solution.
Ladybugs to the Rescue!
You might be surprised to learn that other insects feast on aphids, and adding these beneficial insects to your garden can help control the aphid population.
Ladybugs are among the most effective aphid killers. Consider buying a couple hundred ladybugs to release in your garden. This is a safe, all-natural way to deal with an aphid infestation.
Create a Barrier
Another method for controlling aphids in the garden is to use a barrier. Insects like aphids typically avoid acidic soil. You can use this to your advantage by creating a barrier of acidic soil around your garden.
Simply place some acidic compost – or even used coffee grounds – around your garden. Aphids will avoid walking over this area because of coffee’s acidic properties.
These are just a few ways to protect your garden from aphids. Of course, there are dozens of pesticides available as well. However, most people prefer natural pest control solutions, such as those mentioned above.
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