You can control aphids naturally in your garden without relying on harmful pesticides. These pests have plenty of natural predators such as beneficial insects, larvae, and even birds. Since aphids move slowly, you can easily pick them off by hand or use sprays to knock them down. Because they reproduce rapidly, you’ll often need to apply different techniques and repeat the process to keep their numbers under control. Stay consistent and patient, as it may take some time before you notice clear results.
How to Identify Aphids
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied insects that usually measure between 1/16 and 1/8 inch (about 2–4 mm). Their bodies are pear-shaped, and they appear in many colors, including green, black, yellow, red, brown, or gray.
Adult aphids may either be wingless or develop wings. Those with wings are usually similar in color to the wingless ones but tend to look slightly darker. Young aphids, known as nymphs, resemble the adults but are much smaller.
A reliable way to spot aphids is by looking for two small tube-like structures, called cornicles, at the rear end of their abdomen. Every aphid has them, though in some species they are less noticeable.
As they grow, aphids shed their outer skins. These white, papery cast-off shells often remain on leaves or stick to the sugary honeydew they leave behind.
How to Control Aphids Naturally
Here are a few methods to control aphids naturally:
Removing Aphids by Hand
Water spray: Use a firm blast of water from a garden hose to wash aphids off your plants. This works best in the early part of the season before their numbers grow too large. While it isn’t ideal for fragile or newly planted crops, it’s very effective on sturdier plants that can handle stronger water pressure.
Hand removal: Wear gardening gloves and brush or pick the aphids off leaves, stems, and flower buds. Drop them directly into a bucket filled with soapy water to get rid of them. You can also clip heavily infested sections of the plant and place those trimmings into the same bucket.
Managing Aphids with Natural and Organic Sprays
Soap and water: You can make an easy homemade spray by mixing a few tablespoons of pure liquid soap into a small bucket of water. Avoid using dish detergents or soaps that contain degreasers or added moisturizers. Transfer the prepared solution into a bottle and spray it directly on aphids, making sure to cover the undersides of leaves where eggs and young insects often hide. This method is safe for birds and won’t harm hard-shelled beneficial insects such as ladybugs, lacewings, or pollinators like bees.
Neem oil:
Neem oil contains natural compounds that work as a deterrent for aphids and a wide range of other pests, including mealybugs, caterpillars, beetles, ants, leafminers, and cabbage worms. Since it can also drive away helpful insects, use it carefully and only when needed. Always follow the product’s instructions for diluting neem oil with water, or choose a pre-mixed neem oil spray for quick use.
Essential oils:
Another natural option is to mix your own spray with essential oils. Combine 4–5 drops each of peppermint, clove, rosemary, and thyme oils in a small spray bottle filled with water. Spray directly onto infested plants to target both adult aphids and their eggs or larvae.
Use Natural Predators
Lady beetles (ladybugs): Adult ladybugs eat some aphids, but their larvae consume far more. For ladybugs to truly help, there must be a steady supply of aphids so they stick around long enough to breed and lay eggs. Once the larvae hatch, they become the real aphid hunters. Ladybug larvae look very different from the familiar spotted adults, so make sure you know how to identify them.
Tips for better success with ladybugs:
- Lightly spray plants with water before releasing them, as ladybugs are usually thirsty.
- Let them go early in the morning or in the evening when it’s cooler.
- Be prepared to release them more than once, since many will fly away within a few days.
Green lacewings:
Like ladybugs, lacewing larvae are the most effective stage for tackling aphids. Their eggs are available online and sometimes at local nurseries. Once hatched, the larvae feed aggressively on aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
Birds:
Encouraging insect-eating birds can also help keep aphid numbers down. Birds such as wrens and chickadees will happily feed on them. Set up birdhouses or nesting boxes, and plant small trees or shrubs to provide cover and natural nesting spots. In return, these birds will act as a natural pest-control team in your garden.
Grow the Right Plants
You can use strategic planting to keep aphids under control. Certain plants attract helpful insects that feed on aphids, while others naturally repel them. Some plants are aphid favorites and can serve as “trap crops,” drawing pests away from your more valuable plants. Along with this, make sure to clear away dead leaves and plant debris, since these can shelter aphid eggs through the winter.
Plants that attract beneficial insects: clover, dill, fennel, mint, and yarrow
Natural aphid repellents: garlic, chives, onion, catnip, and other alliums
Trap plants for aphids: zinnias, nasturtiums, mustard, dahlias, asters, and cosmos
