NO PESTICIDES! Yes, I know it’s tempting, it’s so easy and quick. But if you understand more about the aphids, their predators, and other techniques, you’re on your way to a more sustainable garden.

The primary predator of aphids is the ladybug, seen here. The lacewing bug is another predator that can help you. If you spray pesticides to kill aphids, you also kill every other bug in the vicinity which dooms these ladybugs, lacewings, the praying mantis, and other good bugs in the area, maybe honeybees too.

What are aphids? They are small insects often 1/8” long, and never more than ¼”. You won’t see them until you have an infestation. They most often can be found in large numbers on flower stems or on the undersides of leaves. They feed by sucking plants of their nutrients. They will attack leaves, stems, buds, and flowers with a preference for new growth.

So how best to control them? Spray cold water on the infested area. This could mean carefully spraying the underside of leaves.

If you insist on spraying chemicals, Neem oil or horticultural oil will help. Some sources suggest dusting the plant with flour because it constipates the aphids. Poor guys!

Lacewings and ladybugs are available at your local garden center or may be purchased online. Release lady bugs at dusk or early evening. They will fly away almost immediately during the heat of the day or when the sun is shining. Spray a fine mist of water on the plants before the release. Giving the ladybugs a drink may keep them around longer.

You can also attract predator bugs like the ladybug and praying mantis by providing a source of water, ground cover so they can hide from hot sun and their own predators, and plants like angelica, cosmos, yarrow, and marigold.

My personal preference for aphid control is spraying water on the infested leaves and encouraging the ladybug population with plantings and sometimes purchasing added ladybugs. A hungry ladybug can consume 50 aphids in a day.

Your goal is aphid control, not total eradication. These suggestions will help you control aphids on a sustained basis. If you have any specific questions send me a note in the comment section below.