Aphid Control on Peppers: Soap Spray Timing and Garlic Companion Planting

White bugs (aphids) on young cayenne peppers cause wilting. Insecticidal soap works on contact—must hit the pests directly. No residual prevention.

Soap Spray Protocol

1. Mix: 3 tbsp lemon-scented dish soap per gallon water (or commercial insecticidal soap).
2. Apply with pump sprayer to runoff, covering undersides.
3. Repeat every 3 days until no live aphids seen.
4. Then weekly for 2 weeks to catch hatchlings.

Proactive Garlic Strategy

Plant garlic cloves around pepper bases in early spring. Garlic repels aphids and other pests. Harvest garlic in summer; peppers benefit all season. Avoid planting garlic near beans/peas.

For Habanero Seedlings

Don't spray preventively—soap only works on contact. Monitor daily; treat at first sign. Good airflow and avoiding over-fertilization reduce aphid attraction.