How to get rid of aphids that are ravaging plants? 5 natural pesticides to make at home
Mites, small flies, caterpillars, mealybugs, thrips, snails… So many small insects can invade our vegetable plants and hide on the roots, branches, shoots, or even under the leaves of our plants. These harmful insects often form colonies that are difficult to eradicate in the long term. In addition, infested plants are weakened and can suffer deformation, drying out, bark cracks, or even leaf loss. In reality, attacked plants can undergo progressive degradation and become vulnerable to disease. In this article, discover how to get rid of aphids with natural pesticides.
Aphids can make their home on the roots, stems, and leaves of your favorite plants. Some plants, such as fruit trees, blackcurrants, conifers, roses, and nasturtiums, are particularly vulnerable to aphid infestations. In autumn, sexual aphids emerge and begin laying black eggs that overwinter until spring. This is how aphid colonies can appear and attack your cultivated plants. To combat these pests without using environmentally harmful chemicals, here are some natural solutions.
Natural pesticides to eliminate aphids
Aphids are unwanted pests
To fight pests like aphids ecologically, there are powerful organic pesticides. These natural remedies can be used both as a preventative treatment against aphids and as a repellent to effectively drive them away. Here are some aphid treatments you can use to end their infestation:
Also read: Natural repellent: 4 tips to keep ants, flies, fleas, aphids and mosquitoes away from your home
tobacco
Tobacco to repel aphids.
As all gardeners know, aphids are very difficult pests to eliminate. To counteract the proliferation of these insects and protect your vegetation, you can use brown tobacco. Very effective at eradicating a colony of aphids, this natural insecticide is both economical and ecological. To use it, you must first macerate the tobacco in water, let it sit for 3 hours, and filter the mixture. For 1 liter of water, you need approximately 100 grams of tobacco. Let it sit for 2 or 3 hours before spraying the liquid on plants devastated by unwanted insects.
A garlic decoction
Garlic is a natural repellent.
Aphids fear strong odors like garlic. To stop the invasion of these pests, add 6 garlic cloves to 1 liter of water, then boil the mixture. When the mixture is hot, add 3 drops of dish soap to help the product adhere to the plant, then spray the solution on your plants to control the pests.
An onion infusion
Onion juice to eliminate aphids
Onion juice is a natural insecticide that eliminates pests in our garden. To keep aphids away, simply place four finely chopped onions in a container filled with one liter of water and let it soak overnight. The next day, strain the solution and pour the liquid into a spray bottle. Spray onion juice on plants to eradicate aphids.
Nettle manure
Nettle mud for ecological disinfestation
Nettle manure is considered a natural fertilizer and a formidable pesticide. Be careful, however, as nettles are rich in nitrogen, so this product should never be used undiluted, as it may burn the plant roots. To prepare nettle manure, mix 1 kg of nettle with 10 liters of water, then cover the mixture for two weeks, stirring daily. Then spray the mixture on infested plants to eliminate aphids.
Read also: Garden Plant Association: 11 Fruits and Vegetables to Plant Next to Garlic
white vinegar
White vinegar to fight insects
Considered an exceptional cleaner, white vinegar is also good for the environment. To get rid of aphids, mix 2 liters of water and 5 tablespoons of white vinegar. Do not exceed this dose because the acidity of vinegar is high for plants. Water your plants with this solution early in the morning and in the evening to keep unwanted small insects away. Do not water plants with this product during the day as the sun will burn them.
Now you know how to control aphids. Don’t hesitate to use these repellents as a preventative treatment and protect your plants all year round.