If your garden plants have yellowed and dried up leaves, the culprit is probably on the underside of the leaves. You might see a massive group of aphids and the sticky residue they leave behind. Here is how to get rid of aphids, stopping them from coming back.

Aphids feed on the tree’s sap and suck the life out of the roots, fruit, buds, leaves, stems, and flowers.

Aphids breed rapidly—basically, many generations produced in a season. Honestly, by the time you see the pests on your plants, you’re probably amid an infestation. 

 

Removing Aphids

If you find aphids in your landscape, use one of these techniques to get rid of these insects.

 

Use a Garden HoseLenior Tree Service How To Get Rid Of Aphids

If you see a couple of aphids on your plants, eliminate this small infestation with a robust stream of water from your garden hose. Spray water all over the plant. Be sure to get the underside of every leaf. Repeat this process every couple of days until you’ve gotten rid of every aphid. Aphid removal can take up to 14 days. 

 

DIY Insecticidal Soap

If you are waging war against aphids in your garden, you may want to consider making your insecticidal soap. A DIY insecticidal soap will destroy the bodies and kill these pests without harming your trees and plants. 

It is super simple to make. Just combine a couple of teaspoons of liquid dish soap with some water. Next, wipe or spray the mixture on the buds, leaves, or stems. Be sure to apply the solution under the leaves, which is where the aphids love to hide.

Repeat this technique every couple of days for three to four weeks until you don’t see any insects on your trees. 

 

Pesticides 

If your aphid invasion is vast and the DIY insecticidal soap doesn’t work, you might need to use a systemic pesticide. Get a product containing Imidacloprid. These chemical kills aphids but doesn’t harm butterflies, birds, bees, and other pollinators. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s directions.

Contact us at Lenoir Tree Service to get a tree care professional to handle your aphid issue.