Stop Aphids in Your Garden

Aphids (plant lice) reproduce rapidly—small infestations explode in days. Colors: green, yellow, brown, red, black. All suck sap, causing leaf curling/yellowing. Heavy infestations distort or kill new growth. They excrete honeydew, leading to black sooty mold that blocks light (otherwise harmless). Wash leaves with water to remove honeydew and mold.

Controlling Aphids

• Row covers: In spring, protect young plants with floating row covers—keep aphids out, allow air/light/moisture. Remove when seedlings grow large or summer heats up.
• Spray with water: Safest method—blast off with garden hose every 2–3 days. Knocked-off aphids rarely return.
• Attract beneficial insects: Plant marigolds, calendula, sunflower, daisy, alyssum, dill nearby to attract predators. Ladybugs especially love aphids.
• Insecticidal soaps: Kill aphids but must be reapplied regularly in heavy infestations (one aphid can produce 80 offspring/week).
• Insecticides: Several effectively kill aphids. Follow label directions carefully.
• Note: Ants eat honeydew and may protect aphids from beneficials. Eliminate aphids and ants leave.