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Of the over four thousand species of aphid known to exist, around 250 of those are considered harmful to crops. Also known as green flies or plant lice, aphids are among the most prominent and successful garden pests worldwide. Killing aphids naturally is not only better for the environment, but it is also a more effective way of killing the insect. Aphids don't respond well to insecticides, but you can get them under control by taking advantage of their weaknesses and making a few changes in the way you manage your garden. Aphid infestations can destroy an entire plant, and if left untreated, they can spread to surrounding plants, as well. These pests suck out plant sap, damaging leaves, stems, and flowers in the process. The honeydew they excrete as they feed can cause a sooty mold to grow, and some aphids can even spread viruses to the plants as they feed. Taming an aphid outbreak can be difficult, but a combination of biological deterrents mixed with organic oils, soaps, and sprays can often bring things under control, especially if the infestation is still in its early stages. Aphids have a number of natural enemies, and these insects are much better at controlling aphids than any other method available to gardeners. Pampering and nurturing their natural enemies is an excellent method of organic aphid control. Introduce beneficial bugs, like lacewings and ladybugs, to your garden as a natural way to kill aphids. Nearby plantings of mint, fennel, dill, yarrow, and dandelions will help attract these insects to your garden. Using natural ways to kill aphids preserves the insect's natural enemies while creating a hostile environment for aphids. Pesticides are more likely to kill the predatory insects than the aphids, so the insect population usually increases after spraying. While predatory insects are bent on destroying aphids, ants in the garden are the aphid's sworn protectors. Ants feed on the honeydew produced by aphids, so it is in their best interest to defend this precious resource.Getting rid of the ants so that the predatory insects can do their job is an important part of a good aphid pest control program. Killing aphids naturally is better for your plants, the environment and beneficial bugs in your garden. Here are some natural deterrents for controlling aphids. > Grow young plants under row covers. Remember to remove the covers when the plants begin to flower > Use aluminum foil or reflective mulch on the ground beneath the plants. While you may not want to do this in your flower garden, reflective mulch in the vegetable garden is a very effective deterrent. > A strong spray of water from a hose will knock many of the aphids off the plant, and they won't be able to return. It also rinses off some of the honeydew. Spray the plant every day until the plant is aphid free. If all your effort will not work though, only pros can do the step up of control Check out Auckland Pest Control for reliable assistance needed
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