DIY Killing Aphids

Plain Water

• 1

  Locate the infestation so that you can treat not only the affected plants but the surrounding area as well. Other plants in other areas may be infested as well.

• 2

  Affix a sprayer attachment to the end of your garden hose.

• 3

  Spray across the top of the plants with enough pressure to remove the aphids, but be careful that the pressure is not so strong it damages the plant.

• 4

  Spray the undersides of the plants the best you can. Aphids need to be removed from underneath the leaves as well.

Insecticidal Soaps

• 5

  Mix up an insecticidal soap with household products rather than purchasing a commercial product. Mix a teaspoon of dishwashing liquid in a cup of water. Add a few drops of cooking oil.

• 6

  Funnel the mixture into a handheld spray bottle.

• 7

  Spray the plants and surrounding area thoroughly with the insecticidal soap, both topside and underside.

• 8

  Repeat the application as often as is necessary.

Natural Enemies

• 9

  Obtain a sufficient number of lady beetles. It takes a large number to be effective. According to the University of California's Integrated Pest Management, you will need two applications of 1,500 lady beetles each, applied at an interval of one week, to control the aphids on a single rose bush.

• 10

  Keep lady beetles refrigerated and mist them once a week lightly with water until you are ready to use them, but use them promptly so that they do not die. Shelf life of the lady beetles will depend on their age when purchased. Live lady beetles are available at some garden centers.

• 11

  Release lady beetles on the ground underneath plants and in the crooks where shoots branch off.