Have you noticed small green, black or white insects stuck under the leaves of your plants? Are your stems sticky, your leaves deformed or curled up? It’s most likely aphids, those dreaded pests that show up both in the garden and indoors.
Good news: there are simple, natural and effective ways to get rid of them without chemicals. Here’s everything you need to know.
Recognizing Aphids
Aphids are tiny insects (1 to 4 mm) that gather in colonies on young shoots, tender leaves, and sometimes even roots.
They come in several colors:
- Green (the most common)
- Black
- Yellow or white
- Red (rarer)
👉 They feed on plant sap, weaken growth, cause deformities, and can transmit viruses.
Symptoms of an Infested Plant
- Curled or sticky leaves
- Honeydew (sweet substance) on leaves or around the pot
- Presence of ants (they farm aphids to collect the honeydew)
- Buds that won’t open
- Slowed growth
How to Get Rid of Aphids Naturally?
1. Strong Water Spray
If the infestation is recent, a simple spray of water on the leaves is enough to knock down most of the aphids. Do this preferably in the morning so the leaves have time to dry.
2. Black Soap
One of the most effective remedies:
- Mix 1 tablespoon of liquid black soap (unscented) in 1 liter of lukewarm water
- Spray on the leaves (top AND bottom) every 2–3 days until the aphids are gone
👉 The soap breaks down the aphids’ membrane and suffocates them.
3. Repellent Plants
Plant around sensitive species (roses, tomatoes, broad beans…):
🌱 Mint
🌼 Nasturtium
🌿 Lavender
🌸 Marigold
They release scents that aphids don’t like.
4. Natural Allies
Encourage the presence of their natural predators:
- Ladybugs (one larva can eat up to 100 aphids per day!)
- Lacewings
- Hoverflies
- Tits (and other insect-eating birds)
You can buy larvae in garden centers or attract them with a welcoming garden (hedges, local flowers, shelters).
5. Homemade Remedies
- Garlic infusion: 5 cloves in 1 liter of boiling water, let steep, cool, and spray
- Nettle maceration: very effective, but use with moderation
What Not to Do
- Avoid systemic chemical products (dangerous for pollinators and the environment)
- Don’t spray in full sun (risk of leaf burn)
- Don’t treat during flowering, to avoid harming bees
Prevention Is Better than Cure
- Regularly check under the leaves
- Alternate crops in the vegetable garden
- Attract beneficial insects
- Plant nectar-rich flowers to balance the ecosystem
In Summary
Aphids are silent invaders, but you can eliminate them naturally and sustainably, without endangering your garden or the planet 🌍.
With a bit of observation, a few sprays, and the right habits, your plants will soon regain their full vitality 🌿💪
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