How do you control aphids?

To control aphids, monitor plants for infestations, take preventative measures and introduce beneficial insects to your garden. Rinse foliage with cold water, and clean the plants with insecticidal soaps.

1. Monitor your plants

   Regularly monitor your plants for signs of aphid infestations. Look at the bottoms of leaves for the small green insects. If leaves start to curl or ant numbers are on the rise, there is a good chance that aphids are in residence.

2. Take preventative measures

   Use as little nitrogen fertilizer as possible on your plants, since it attracts aphids. Instead, of nitrogen fertilizer, feed your plants with compost.

3. Introduce beneficial insects to your garden

   Introduce beneficial insects such as lady beetles to your garden. They feed on aphids and help to control the populations.

4. Rinse foliage with cold water

   Rinse off aphid-infected foliage with cold water from a pressurized garden hose. This removes the aphids and controls minor infestations.

5. Apply insecticidal soap to the infected plants

   Once the aphid infestations become troubling, apply an insecticidal soap to the plants. Make your own by combining 5 parts water and 2 parts rubbing alcohol with 1 tablespoon of liquid soap. Place the solution in a spray bottle, and spray the infested plants every two or three days until the infestation is under control.