Aphids are probably the most common and devastating pests a Texan homeowner needs to fight against to keep his flowers, plants and vegetables safe. Aphids are non-discriminating insects which attack and negatively impact oaks, oleanders, pecans, roses, bedding plants, vegetables, crape myrtle, hibiscus and many more. They are resilient to insecticides and tend to survive chemical treatments (which mostly affect the sprayed plants and the beneficial insects on the property). Today our pest control Kennedale, TX specialists decided to lend you some of their combat secrets when it comes to fighting aphids. These are organic measures you can employ safely – they will control an aphids’ infestation and protect the environment, plants and veggies and other friendly insects.
How Does an Aphid Infestation Look Like?
Aphids are 1/16 to 1/8 inches insects with a soft body, long legs, and antennae which attack the underside of foliage and new grown plants. Look closely at your flowers, plants and veggies and pay attention to the following signs:
- Yellowing and distorted leaves
- Underdeveloped plants
- A sticky black substance present on the leaves or underneath them
This black sooty fungus excreted by aphids is the cause of plant problems, as it blocks light and warmth thus leading to the plants’ demise.
Organic Aphids Control Measures
Since insecticides don’t really work well with aphids, it’s time to have some organic counter-measures put into place. Here are the most frequent and successful ones:
- Introduction of natural aphids’ predators: plant mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, and dandelions to attract beneficial insects on your property. Ladybugs and lacewings will have a feast on your aphids and will prevent others from getting ideas.
- Proper ant control: while ladybugs and lacewings are sworn enemies of aphids, ants are sworn protectors. They feed on the black honeydew excreted by aphids so they will put up a fight to protect their food source. Ask your local pest control Kennedale, TX specialists to tailor you an ant-and-aphids control program in order to keep beneficial insects safe to do their job.
- Grow young plants under row covers to keep them safe, but remove the covers when the plants start flowering
- Place aluminum foil or reflective mulch under your vegetables for an efficient aphid deterrence; you shouldn’t apply reflective mulch or aluminum, however, underneath your flowers.
- Use a hose to strongly spray aphids-infected plants and vegetables with high pressure jets of water. This will knock aphids down from your plants and clean their honeydew. Repeat as often as you can this power watering to make sure no aphids survive.
- You can try planting powerfully scented vegetables like onions and garlic around flowers and in the vegetable garden as their fragrance keeps aphids at bay.
- If you have a serious infestation, try fighting against the aphids with horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps. Your pest control Kennedale, TX experts will be able to offer you competent advice on how to use these products.
Aphids are not easy to get rid of, but your local pest control Kennedale, TX specialists can surely tailor you a personalized organic aphids combat program.
