How to naturally get rid of aphids?

1. Auxiliary insects

As most insects, aphids are natural predators, especially lady bugs, earwigs, chrysops and syrphids. For instance, lady bugs devour dozens of aphids every day and even more when they are in larvae stage! You can buy some in garden centres and attract them naturally by favouring garden biodiversity.

2. Complicit plants

On the vegetable side, there are « host » plants which attract aphids and allow to drive them away from vegetables for instance the nasturtiums: not only are these orange flowers gorgeous, the undesirable insects love them. Do not hesitate to plant them on the edge of the vegetable garden.

 

On the contrary, aphids do not like the strong smells of aromatics plants which play the role of repelling, such as thyme, mint, savoury, dill or basil. Bonus: you can use them in your recipe.

3. The water jet

If in spite of preventive measure, aphids settle comfortably on your plants then take drastic measures. The first is mechanical: it is water pressure! When they are fully active, aphids are “hooked” to leaves or stems thanks to their stylus – their mouth piece allowing them to suck the sap. You just need to spray them with the water jet (not too hard) to make them fall by even pulling off their stylus which remains stuck on the plant. Efficient and 100% natural.

4. Black soap

Finally, in case of tenacious invasion, black soap is a great classic. It must be mixed with water (about 3 tbsp of liquid black soap per litre of hot water to cool down afterwards) and sprayed on the infested parts of the plants – do not forget the back for leaves. When the aphids are dead, just rinse the leaves. The operation can be repeated 8 to 10 days later if necessary. Beware of choosing a natural black soap with vegetable oil and lye without perfumes or dye. You will find it in garden centres and some supermarkets.