How to Get Rid of Oleander Aphids

Trim, water and fertilize your plants less often. These common plant maintenance routines have the affect of encouraging new tender shoots to grow. The oleander aphid prefers young tender shoots over established plant growth.

Dislodge aphids with a strong shot of water from the hose, or cut away and discard shoots that are heavily infested. You may not be able to eliminate all the aphids in this manner, but you will reduce the size of the colony.

Introduce an oleander aphid predator into your gardens such as the braconid wasp. The braconid wasp (Lysiphlebus testaceipes) will lay eggs inside the aphid, which will eat the aphid from the inside out.

Apply insecticidal soaps or oils directly to the pests for natural biological control. Insecticidal soaps have no residual or lasting effect and must be applied directly to the insect. Soap application is thought to break down the protective membrane of the insect, allowing excess loss of water and death. Insecticidal soap will need to be reapplied every four to six days until you are satisfied with the diminished population level. Insecticidal oils tend to suffocate the insect and will evaporate quickly, leaving very little residue.