How to fight aphids on house plants at home

When growing flowers in an apartment, you may find that they look ugly and have stopped growing. It is necessary to determine the cause and begin treatment appropriate to each specific case. A parasite such as aphids is often found on indoor plants. To successfully combat it, you need to know the available methods, and it is best to carry out preventive measures and create conditions that will prevent the appearance and reproduction of the pest.

What harm can aphids cause to indoor flowers?

Aphids on indoor plants are a common occurrence. The main danger of insect activity is the destruction of vegetation. Aphids pierce the skin of the leaves and suck out the juice. Colonies of parasites attack young and adult plants.

Single individuals lead to the drying out of several leaves of the flower; with timely help, the plant can be saved. A large accumulation of aphids on one indoor plant leads to its death.

Preventive protective measures against aphids

But first, about prevention.
In the case of aphids, it is difficult to talk about 100% protection methods, but it is still worth taking some measures to minimize the chances of aphids successfully occupying our gardens. First, it is necessary to expel the ants from the area. Ants are known to specifically breed aphids and protect them from natural enemies for the sake of sweet secretions. Therefore, if there is an anthill at the dacha, there will be aphids. Read how to get rid of ants on your property and adopt several methods.

Secondly, let's try to attract the help of natural enemies of aphids: predatory insects and birds. Among the insects they eat, aphids are:

• ladybug larvae;
• hoverfly larvae;
• earwigs;
• ground beetles;
• lacewings;
• ichneumon beetles;
• surfid flies;
• predatory wasps and bugs.

Earwigs live in wood shavings. The hoverfly can be lured by daisies, the pollen of which is adored by the adults. Ground beetles love amaranth, lacewings prefer to breed in shady thickets of ferns. It’s even easier to buy ladybird and lacewing larvae at a garden store.

By hanging bird feeders and waterers, you can attract another ally in the fight against aphids - birds. Tits, wrens, linnets, robins, sparrows, wrens, and some warblers feed their chicks with aphids.

Finally, we plant fragrant plants, the aromas of which repel aphids. These include: chamomile-pyrethrum, marigolds, lavender, basil, garlic, mustard, mint, coriander, fennel, garlic, onion.

If all preventive measures have not been able to stop the aphids, there are many ways to get rid of them using means that are safe for humans.

Signs of pest damage

It is easy to see the presence of aphids on a plant - upon inspection, syrupy traces appearing from pest secretions and other symptoms are visible on the foliage.

Read more about why aphids appear on plants in the article here.

The first signs of aphid infestation:

1. The shoots curl and wither. Young specimens of domestic flowers suffer.
2. The presence of black marks on the leaves. Aphids spread sooty fungus, which appears as dark spots.
3. Clusters of insects are noticeable on the underside of the leaves.
4. Opened flower buds look ugly.
5. Some flowers do not open.

There are several types of parasites. At the same time, the methods of combating it depend on the type of aphid. At the first signs of damage, it is necessary to immediately get rid of aphids. To do this, you need to choose the appropriate method and take preventive measures.

White

Dicotyledonous plants are most susceptible to attack by white aphids. Parasites are rare on domestic flowers. Aphids, covered with white pollen, penetrate the root system and suck out the juice. The plant dies.

Green

The parasite has a pale green color. Settles on bushes and trees. Dangerous for decorative Chinese roses, lemons, etc. Before winter, the female lays eggs near the buds. In the spring, the larvae hatch and parasitize the plant.

Black

Black aphids are dark in color and their body length reaches 5 mm. To pierce the foliage, a proboscis is located on the body of the parasite, with the help of which the insect drinks juice. Black aphids reproduce at a high rate because they do not need to mate. The larvae appear on young shoots of indoor plants and eventually move to adult specimens of vegetation.

Yellow

The yellow aphid has a corresponding color. Prefers to settle on coniferous vegetation near the buds. The primitive parasite does not spread to neighboring plants. One generation is hatched per year. Therefore, yellow aphids are few in number.

Effective methods of controlling aphids on coniferous trees

Bloody

The blood aphid is native to America. In its homeland, the insect parasitizes in the bark of elm trees. On the territory of Russia, the insect is found in gardens, rarely on domestic vegetation. The body of the parasite is covered with wool-like waxy threads.

Varieties found on flowers

Indoor aphids are polyphagous, attacking all plants except palm trees. The shape of the jelly-like body of insects can be oval, round, or elongated. Size – up to 3 millimeters. The head has eyes, antennae, and a proboscis. Three pairs of long legs allow the insects to walk and jump. Females come with wings and without wings. Males fly.

Aphids form colonies covering the lower parts of leaves, young shoots and flower stems. She prefers plant juices rich in carbohydrates and amino acids, which is typical for well-fertilized soil mixtures. The optimal condition for reproduction is moist and warm air.

The waste product of pests is a sweet sticky secretion. A fungal infection develops in these secretions. A weakened plant is affected by viruses and bacteria. Ants spread aphids due to their syrup.

Black aphid

Black aphid (indoor) affects all types of plantings. Body length – up to 1.5 millimeters. In a short period of time, the sprout withers, dries up and dies.

White aphid

Mealybug or hairy aphid. The oval light brown bristly body is covered with a white coating. House shoots affected by scale insects look as if they are covered with frost. The stems become bent, the foliage and buds fall off.

Beet aphid

An insect up to 3 millimeters long, green/brown/black with a waxy coating. Plants affected by beet aphids stop growing, curl, dry out, and may die.

How do aphids get into the house?

The most common type of aphid found on indoor plants is the aphid. Pests are located on the roots, leaves, stems and flowers of indoor plants.

Where and why do pests appear within the apartment:

1. Purchase of an infected plant.
2. Migration of parasites from the street on clothing or household items.
3. Aphids enter from the street through open windows.
4. Sticking of insects when airing flowers outdoors.
5. The vital activity of ants, for which aphids are the main source of food.

Pests practically do not move around the plant. Aphids are found everywhere on domestic flowers, regardless of the part of the crop. First, young shoots are affected, then the parasite moves to denser and stronger areas. The leaves and stems turn yellow and curl into a tube. Aphids are visible to the naked eye.

A warm and dry climate promotes active reproduction of aphids. The infected flower must be quarantined so that other crops do not become targets of aphid attack.

Mechanical method

The mechanical method of cleaning a bush is effective only if there are very few harmful insects on it. To do this, you need to trim off all the affected parts of the flower if possible, and you should also give it a daily shower until the aphids completely disappear.

The most effective would be a shower using laundry soap, because this pest does not like it at all. It's important to do everything right. First, prepare a soap solution by combining water and soap in a ratio of 6:1. To protect your hands, wear rubber gloves. Moisten a piece of cloth in a soapy solution and wipe the affected buds, shoots and foliage with it, trying to remove all insects. After this, the bush is washed under running water. If necessary, this procedure can be carried out regularly until there are no pests left on the flower. However, make sure that the soap solution does not get into the substrate. During processing, remember that aphid larvae are often found in hard-to-reach places, so you must inspect every leaf and bud, while cutting off and destroying those that have the pest.

Treatment with medical alcohol is also a mechanical method. It cannot damage the sheet plates because it evaporates almost immediately after application.

Effective chemicals

Among the products that effectively fight parasites on indoor flowers, several chemical preparations can be noted - “Fitoverm”, “Aktellik”, “Iskra”, “Tanrek”, “Aktara”. The use of pesticides allows you to get rid of aphids on indoor plants in a short time. Treatment consists of spraying the crop. The main thing is to follow the dosage indicated in the instructions for use.

"Fitoverm"

The drug "Fitoverm" is of biological origin. Pests do not get used to the product. Therefore, treatment can be carried out until the insects are completely destroyed. It is recommended to take a week break between spraying. Dilution of the drug is carried out strictly according to the instructions.

"Aktellik"

The drug "Actellik" copes effectively with the task. The pesticide causes poisoning of parasites and their death. The toxic substance is dangerous for pets and children. Therefore, processing must be carried out outdoors.

When using the product indoors, the air temperature in the house should not exceed +15°C.

"Spark"

Several drugs are produced under the Iskra brand in different forms. To kill aphids, you can choose any type of product. The pesticide is considered moderately hazardous. Can be applied indoors and outdoors.

"Tanrek"

The insecticide is an effective product that is used to protect berries, fruits, vegetables and domestic crops. "Tanrek" is a domestic drug, available in bottles with different dosages (10, 50 and 100 ml). The main active ingredient is imidacloprid. It penetrates the structure of the plant, entering the parasite's body along with the juice. The death of aphids occurs within 24 hours.

"Aktara"

You can fight aphids on indoor plants at home using the drug "Aktara". The substance penetrates into the juice of flowers, causing poisoning of parasites. The action begins within a day. On larger plants, it takes longer to activate the product - up to two days. Aphids get used to the drug, so Aktar needs to be alternated with other pesticides.

Prevention of aphids

Proper plant care and compliance with the recommended preventive measures will help to avoid the appearance of aphids:

• periodically carry out preventive treatment of plants;
• Make sure to maintain the optimal temperature in the house, as insects settle in a stuffy, poorly ventilated room;
• keep new flowers in quarantine;
• install mosquito nets on all windows in the apartment;
• do not place bouquets of cut flowers (especially chrysanthemums and roses) near indoor plants;
• Soak the new soil for replanting in the cold for several days to destroy the larvae and eggs of pests.

To preserve indoor flowers, provide them with proper care, regularly inspect them to identify pests in a timely manner, and periodically carry out preventive treatment

Maintaining a favorable microclimate in the house, proper care of plants and compliance with preventive measures will help save indoor flowers from aphids. If you were unable to protect them from pests, start fighting when parasites are first detected, preventing the colony from growing. Mechanical treatment, folk remedies and chemicals can help in exterminating insects. The choice of control method depends on the scale of the disaster and individual preferences.

Folk methods of struggle

It’s easy to quickly get rid of aphids with your own hands. This does not require the use of poisons that are dangerous to household members. There are many safe, effective folk methods. They can be used regardless of the reasons for the appearance of aphids. Among them there are infusions, decoctions and other effective remedies.

Ammonia

Ammonia is often used in pest control. Ammonia can also help control aphids on indoor plants. To prepare the working solution you need:

1. Boil 500 ml of water.
2. Add 1-2 tsp. grated laundry soap.
3. Dissolve the grains.
4. Cool the liquid.
5. Pour in 2 tsp. ammonia.
6. Mix.

The prepared solution must be sprayed onto the foliage from the top. Treat the bottom with a cotton swab dipped in liquid. After spraying, you need to wait 20–25 minutes and wash off the alcohol composition from the foliage with water. This will avoid the formation of a burn.

Red pepper

Aphids are afraid of some spices. You can effectively cope with parasites using red pepper. To prepare you need:

1. Heat water – 200 ml.
2. Add 25 g pepper (ground).
3. Boil.
4. Leave to infuse for 24 hours.
5. Strain the solution.
6. Add 1 tsp. soap
7. Treat the foliage on both sides with the resulting mixture.

Vinegar

When fighting aphids, table vinegar is often used. It causes paralysis of insects and quickly destroys pests. The processing looks like this:

1. Dissolve 1 tbsp in a liter of water. l. vinegar.
2. Wipe or spray the indoor flower, avoiding any liquid getting on the flowering buds.
3. If necessary, repeat the procedure.

Soda and salt

An indispensable tool in the fight against aphids is salt and soda. These components can be combined or used separately. There are several options for preparing the working solution. Treatment is carried out by spraying or wiping the foliage.

First option:

1. Boil a liter of water.
2. Add 2 tbsp. l. salt.
3. Dissolve, cool.

Second option:

1. Heat 500 ml of water.
2. Add 1 tbsp. l. soda
3. Mix.

Third option:

1. Boil a liter of water.
2. Add according to Art. l. soda and salt.
3. Mix.

To enhance effectiveness, add 1 tsp to the solution. vinegar per liter of liquid.

Tar soap

Tar soap can be used to control aphids and other pests. It is easy to prepare a mixture for treating plants:

1. Grate ¼ piece of soap on a fine grater.
2. Boil a liter of water.
3. Add soap and mix thoroughly.

The resulting liquid can be used to treat deciduous and coniferous home crops. The procedure must be carried out at intervals of 5–7 days. After each spraying, the composition must be washed off the plant, leaving it on for 30 minutes. In this case, the soap substance is not allowed to get into the ground.

Cinnamon

Cinnamon is a popular spice. The powder can be used in its pure form, sprinkled on the soil in the pot. You can prepare a decoction or infusion. For the decoction you need:

1. Pour 1 tbsp. l. cinnamon (you can take a whole spice pod) 500 ml of water.
2. Boil for 20 minutes.
3. Cool.
4. Use as a spray.

Preparation of the infusion:

1. 1 tsp. ground cinnamon pour 200 ml of vodka.
2. Leave in a dark place for 24 hours.
3. Dilute the composition with water in a 1:1 ratio.
4. Treat the plants.
5. Wash off the substance after 20 minutes. After application.

Ash

Tree resin has long been used to combat parasites. To destroy aphids you need:

1. Dissolve 200 g of ash in 5 liters of water.
2. Add 5 tbsp. l. soap
3. Let it brew for 48 hours.

Milk and iodine

A mixture of iodine and milk is used to kill aphids, slugs and other parasites. The working staff is prepared from two main components:

1. A liter of milk or kefir.
2. Five drops of iodine.
3. Mix.
4. Treat the plant.
5. After 2–3 hours, remove the mixture from the foliage with a damp cloth.

"Coca Cola"

A tasty carbonated drink quickly deals with various pests, causing food poisoning. The use of Coca-Cola is allowed on adult non-flowering plants. To kill aphids you need to spray the flower.

Celandine

To use, you will need dry celandine grass or a fresh bush. To prepare the product you need:

1. Boil 500 ml of water.
2. Pour liquid into a glass of celandine.
3. Let it brew for a day.

Garlic

Garlic has a detrimental effect on many parasites. To kill aphids you will need an aqueous solution of the root vegetable:

1. Pass the head of garlic through a press.
2. Pour 500 ml of boiling water.
3. Place in a dark place for a day.
4. Strain.

To destroy large colonies of aphids, an undiluted solution is used, which must subsequently be washed off the plant.

Mustard

Mustard powder is used to control aphids. To prepare the product you need:

1. Dissolve 10–15 g of mustard in a liter of warm water.
2. Leave for 3–5 hours.
3. Strain.

Vodka

Vodka is often used to prepare infusions. It does not need to be diluted with water, since the amount of alcohol is not dangerous for the plant. It is enough to spray an indoor flower on all sides with 40° vodka at intervals of 3 days. After this, the aphids on the foliage will die.

We fight aphids by spraying with vodka - Effective recipes

Green soap

An effective remedy that helps kill aphids is green soap. The composition includes potassium salt, vegetable oil and fats, water. After applying the substance to the plant, part of the solution gets onto the body of the insect. The pest is unable to breathe and dies.

Birch tar

Birch tar is a viscous, greasy substance. It does not dissolve in water, so the first preparation of a working composition for treating plants against aphids can cause difficulties. Before you start using the product, you should familiarize yourself with the rules for preparing the solution:

1. Mix 10 ml of birch tar (can be bought at a pharmacy) with 50 ml of liquid soap or shampoo.
2. Leave for 1.5 hours to better combine the components.
3. Pour the composition into 10 liters of water.
4. Mix.

The resulting liquid can be wiped and sprayed on plants. Aphids die upon contact with a soap solution within two to seven hours. Using tar in its pure form is dangerous. It can burn leaves.

Tobacco

Tobacco tincture is used to combat aphids, powdery mildew and other pathologies. To prepare the recipe you need:

1. Pour 50 g of dry tobacco into a liter of boiling water.
2. Leave for 24 hours.
3. Strain.
4. Use by spraying.

Boric acid

Boric acid must be used to wipe the leaves infected with aphids. It is convenient to use a cotton pad or a piece of gauze. Coniferous plants can be sprayed with a solution of the product with water. To do this, mix part of the acid with half of the water.

Mechanical methods of getting rid of pests

You can save indoor flowers using mechanical cleaning, but this method is effective only at the initial stage of infection. To preserve the plant, remove damaged leaves, buds and shoots and wash it daily under running water. A solution of laundry soap will help to achieve maximum effect. Processing procedure:

1. Prepare a soap solution from laundry soap and water in a ratio of 1:6.
2. Prepare the necessary attributes, put on rubber gloves.
3. Soak a sponge in the solution and thoroughly wipe all leaves, shoots and stems. Avoid getting the product on the soil.
4. Rinse the plant with clean running water.
5. Repeat the treatment daily until the parasites are completely eliminated.

To mechanically remove aphids, wipe the leaves daily with a damp sponge, remove affected shoots and bathe the flowers under running water.

As an alternative to soap solution, you can use medical alcohol - dissolve 6 tbsp in 1 liter of water. spoons of the product and wipe all the leaves. This composition effectively removes pests and does not damage the leaves, since ammonia quickly evaporates from the surface.

To be sure to get rid of aphids, replace the top part of the soil, where eggs and larvae of pests may be. In this case, choose high-quality soil that has been disinfected or frozen.

Additional tips and tricks

Fighting aphids is a simple process. But the procedure for exterminating pests must follow certain rules:

1. Maximum effectiveness can only be achieved by treating all infected areas of the plant. Therefore, it is necessary to thoroughly wipe and spray the foliage, stems and root part of the indoor crop.
2. It is better to alternate aphid repellents. This will prevent pests from becoming accustomed to the active component.
3. The use of oil solutions is allowed only on the green part of the vegetation. Contact of the product with the buds is prohibited.
4. It is necessary to spray flowers in the evening or early in the morning. The room should be damp and cool.
5. To enhance the impact of folk remedies, the use of a plastic bag is allowed. After treating the plant with the selected solution, put a bag on it and leave it for several hours.

Aphids on indoor flowers are a common problem for indoor plant lovers. To prevent parasites from destroying crops, they must be removed in a timely manner. Regular examination of flowers will allow you not to miss important time. When the first symptoms are detected, you must immediately take measures to eliminate the insects.

Mr. Summer Resident advises: ways to prevent damage to indoor plants by aphids

Every gardener knows that it is easier to prevent than to remove pests and treat a diseased plant.

It is recommended to carry out a number of preventive measures to prevent aphid infestation:

• Newly purchased flowers need to be quarantined for a while. Be sure to use a warm shower.
• The soil is kept cold (in the freezer) for a short time before planting. You can warm it up in the microwave or bake it in the oven.
• Carry out systematic inspection.
• Provide access to fresh air.
• Moisturize periodically. Sometimes put it under a warm shower.
• Prevent the appearance of ants. If they appear, then treat them.
• Use folk remedies.

Consequences of aphids

Inspect your flowers often so you can spot signs of aphids in time. This should be done at least every time you water the plants.

If you notice that the flowers are “decorated” with thick, damp spots, then this is a sign that the colony is successfully reproducing. Such a substance is a product of the vital activity of this insect.

Curled, fading young leaves of domestic flowers are also a sign that the aphid has “tried its best.”

Black spots on leaves are a disease called sooty fungus. Its causative agent is aphids.

A multiplied colony of aphids manifests itself by the appearance of jelly-like spots, white or light green, on the bottom of the leaves.

Aphids also find themselves on the buds of flowering plants. Due to its influence, the buds look underdeveloped, the flowers from them turn out small or do not bloom at all.

What plants does it affect?

Aphids cause more damage to crops.

At home, you can find aphids on the following plants:

• violet;
• begonia;
• primrose;
• orchid;
• cyclamen;
• spathiphyllum;
• roses;
• chrysanthemums.

In rare cases, aphids have spread on palm trees or dracaenas, since their dense foliage is difficult to pierce with sap tubes. Also, young plants are more susceptible than older ones.