Aphid Control

Identification: These small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects cluster densely on tender new growth and the undersides of leaves to suck plant juices. Many species of aphids feed on home garden plants; these insects range in color from pale green, pink, or black to red or yellow. Size is typically 1/16″–1/4″. Adult aphids are generally wingless, but winged adults will appear when overcrowded. Immature aphids (nymphs) closely resemble adults.

Damage: Both adults and nymphs feed on a wide variety of plants, including most edibles and ornamentals. In small numbers aphids do little damage, but they are able to reproduce rapidly and can quickly become a more serious problem. Also, as they feed, aphids secrete a sweet fluid called honeydew that can attract ants; sooty black fungus may grow on coated leaves. Aphids are common throughout the U.S.

Control: There are several options to control and/or eliminate aphids:

When fertilizing your garden, avoid over-applying nitrogen. Too much nitrogen can stimulate plants to grow too rapidly and produce a flush of exactly the kind of tender new growth that aphids love.
Use a strong spray of water from your hose to dislodge aphids from affected plants. This will reduce their numbers dramatically. Recheck the plants a few days later and repeat the treatment if needed. (Keep in mind that water sprays will also kill beneficial insects.)
Ladybug Feeders. Set of 2 Ladybugs are voracious predators of many garden insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and mealybugs.
Adult Ladybugs Voracious predators of many garden insect pests, including aphids, whiteflies, spider mites and mealybugs.
Beneficial Bugs Garden Pack Includes three species of efficient pest-eaters that (unlike chemical controls) won’t harm plants, earthworms, or humans. Ladybugs, lacewings and beneficial nematodes.
Orchard Spray Protects fruit trees and bushes, nut trees, ornamentals and vegetables. Effective against blight, blackspot, powdery mildew, aphids, mites, caterpillars, whiteflies and more plant pests and diseases. Active ingredients: sulphur and pyrethrins
All Seasons Spray Oil Unlike heavy “dormant” spray oils that can only be used in early spring, this lightweight oil can be used year-round on vegetables and ornamental plants to control many insect pests, including aphids, mealybugs, red spider mites and scale.
Rose Rx 3-in-1 Wards off spider mites, whiteflies, lily beetles and Japanese beetles. Also controls black spot and powdery mildew. It works for all flowers and ornamentals; safe for houseplants and food crops, too.
Insect Control Spray Controls pests with fast-acting natural pyrethrins to kill insects and larvae on contact and canola oil to smother eggs
Garden Dust Contains copper sulphate and pyrethrins. Use it as a last resort if other controls are not effective.
Bon-Neem Spray Controls a variety of pests, including aphids, mites, whiteflies, flea beetles, scale and earwigs. Contains natural potassium salts and potent neem tree oil.