When you grow a garden naturally, a few aphids are not a big bother. With a little patience and suitable home remediesyou can get rid of bugs without resorting to chemicals. The top priority is to stay calm and take consistent measures against pests.
Eliminating the white aphid with home or natural remedies may seem like a challenge, but it can be done and these solutions will be much more respectful of plants, soil and biodiversity than conventional chemical solutions.
What is the white aphid and why is it bad for the plant?
He temperature rise Since spring and humidity are the factors that favor the appearance of white aphids on plants.
The aphid or white aphid (Aphididae is its scientific name) is a tiny insect that is dangerous for the plant because it pierces it until it reaches the ducts through which the sap circulates. It feeds on proteins and digests and expels sugars, which it excretes in the form of a type of molasses. In this molasses mushrooms grow which cause even more damage than the aphid itself.
Furthermore, the plant is exposed to infection with viruses and bacteria that penetrate into it through the perforations. If not treated in time, fungi, bacteria and viruses can kill the plant.
signs of infestation with white aphid
In addition to aphids, the leaves of the plant can turn yellow because they do not receive chlorophyll and cannot photosynthesize.
They can also dry out and warp.
How to eliminate the white aphid with home remedies
White aphids can be combated with chemical pesticides, but these can be more harmful than the pest itself and by contaminating the environment they can affect other living beings, including people. Whenever possible, the natural home remedies They are more suitable for getting rid of pests in a safe way.
1. Potassium soap (potash)
The best known means to combat the white aphid is potassium soap. This effective remedy against pests in the garden, also known as potash, is also one of the most versatile homemade cleaning products. Contains no artificial fragrances, colors or thickeners.
This soap is able to disengage sticky aphids from the leaves and stems of the plant.
Ingredients:
- 50 g potassium soap
- 1 liter of warm water
If the infestation is severe, You can also add 20 ml of alcohol to the mixture and spray the infested plant.
2. Vinegar
It is another of the best-known remedies to eliminate the white aphid. The smell of acetic acid, the main component of vinegar, is a very effective repellent against these bugs. It is better to use wine vinegar because it contains more acetic acid.
The recommendation is to mix one part vinegar to three parts water and spray the affected areas of the plant. Do not spray vinegar directly because it could burn the leaves of the plants.
3. Repellent plants
Some plants naturally have a deterrent effect on aphids, also on the white aphid. This not only protects them from infestation, but also neighboring plants. The correct combination of plants is important in this case:
- The savory protects green beans.
- lavender protect the roses.
- The nasturtium to tomatoes and fruit trees.
- The chervil to the lettuces.
4. Natural predators
Fortunately, white aphids also have a number of natural predators, so if you are wondering how to eliminate white aphids in the most environmentally friendly way, the answer is to attract the insects that will feast on them. Ladybugs and their larvae are particularly effective. They eat up to 400 aphids a day. Lacewing larvae are even more voracious. Each of these larvae can eliminate 500 aphids.
Abroad, You can attract these beneficial insects with a varied garden where, of course, insecticides cannot be used.
5. Nettle broth
In the fight against the white aphid, Infusions made from certain plants have also proven effective. that grow almost everywhere.
Sprayed on pests, especially on the underside of leaves, for several days, They effectively help eliminate aphid infestation.
An effective way to combat white aphids is with a broth or maceration that you can easily make with nettles.
Ingredients:
- 200 g of fresh nettles or 20 g of dried nettles.
- 1 liter of water.
Elaboration:
- Crush the nettles with gloved hands, scissors or a knife and pour cold water over them. Let it rest for at least twelve hours.
- Filter all solid components with a cloth or sieve and use the undiluted broth to spray plants affected by aphids.
If the nettle broth ferments (you will notice this by the smell) it should not be sprayed on the plants, but can be used as fertilizer.
6. Ivy leaves
Common ivy, which grows in most of our gardens, is poisonous to aphids. The saponins it contains kill aphids even in low concentrations. Using an infusion with ivy leaves can be an effective remedy against the white aphid.
Ingredients:
- 50 ivy leaves.
- 1 liter of water.
Elaboration:
- Coarsely chop the ivy and boil it in a liter of water over medium heat for at least 30 minutes.
- After cooling, sift the leaves and squeeze them again by hand. The broth can be sprayed undiluted on the aphids.
7. Garlic
When planting garlic or other relatives of the garlic family Alliumlike onions or leeks among your crops, Not only will you be able to get rid of aphids, but also voles or field mice.
With indoor plants, An infusion of garlic has proven to be effective in protecting against annoying aphids.
Ingredients:
- 50 g fresh garlic
- 1 liter of water
Elaboration:
- Chop the garlic into small pieces and pour boiling water over them.
- After leaving it for 30 minutes, strain it through a cloth and let it cool completely. Then spray undiluted on the aphids.
8. neem oil
Using neem oil to get rid of aphid infestation is very simple. All you need is some neem tincture and a spray bottle.
Ingredients:
- 30 drops of neem oil
- 1 liter of water
9. Oregano infusion
Oregano contains substances that act against the white aphid. As a spray, it is not only quick to make, but also It is completely harmless to humans and pets.
Ingredients:
- 100 g fresh oregano or 10 g dried oregano leaves
- 1 liter of water
Elaboration:
- Pour boiling water over the oregano and let it sit for about 20 minutes.
- Strain the solids through a cloth or strainer and let the infusion cool to room temperature.
- Dilute with water in a 1 to 3 ratio before spraying.
10. Horse chestnut infusion
Lesser known, but still very effective against lice, are the brown fruits of the horse chestnut. The common horse chestnut is widespread in our country. There is surely a chestnut tree near you.
Ingredients:
- 10 ripe chestnuts
- 1 liter of water
Elaboration:
- Chop or mash the chestnuts and simmer in the water for about 30 minutes.
- After cooling and straining, you can spray the undiluted broth onto the infested plants.
11. black tea
A popular and good home remedy against aphids of any type is black tea.
Ingredients:
- 2 black tea bags
- 1 l of water
Elaboration:
- Pour a liter of boiling water over two tea bags and let it steep for at least twenty minutes.
- After cooling, spray the infusion on the plant.