How to treat aphids on indoor plants

If your plants have been attacked by aphids the new growth is usually misshapen and the leaves might be yellowing. Check this article for how to treat aphids.

Aphids are small insects with pear-shaped bodies, long antennae and a waxy or woolly appearance. The female aphids give birth to nymphs without mating, that reach maturity in about 10 days. Hence why you need to control them quickly.

How to treat aphids on indoor plants Image courtesy of Sweet Crisis at Free Digital Photos net

How to get rid of aphids

Bring the affected plants in for a shower. You can use the shower head to spray the leaves with cold water to blast them away.
Use a mix of Neem oil and insecticidal soap as a spray and soil drench. Follow the instruction on the packaging for frequency and quantity.
You can also use Isopropyl alcohol (70% rubbing alcohol) as a spray to treat for aphids. To make the mixture add equal parts 70% alcohol and water.
Using beneficial insects to battle aphids: Insects such as ladybugs and lacewings will attack the aphids and help you getting rid of the infestation.
Insecticidal Sprays: if you have a heavy infestation you can go for the chemical treatment and apply it systemically as per packaging instructions.

How to prevent aphids

A regular showering session for your indoor plants it's really beneficial as it helps blast away any unwanted visitors.
Using Neem oil sprays as a preventive measure.
Check on your plants regularly, including under the leaves.
Check any new plants and place them in 'quarantine' for few weeks before introducing them to your collection
Wipe leaves regularly

Photo Credit: Image courtesy of SweetCrisis at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

21st June, 2020