Aphids settle on any plants - from indoor flowers to mature trees. Over the course of a season, a colony of insects can cause serious damage to both the plants themselves and the future harvest. Therefore, a whole range of safe products are used against pests.
Currently, more than 4 thousand species of aphids are known, of which approximately 1 thousand live in Europe. This insect with an inordinate appetite carries dangerous viruses and provokes the development of abnormalities in plants.
Aphids reproduce very quickly and occupy the beds in a matter of days. Cucumbers, cabbage, legumes and pumpkin crops are especially affected by its invasion. Young shoots slow down, fruit formation decreases, plants wither and die.
A little about aphids
Aphid.
To properly approach the issue of fighting aphids, you need to first start getting to know them better. So: aphids are small voracious insects that eat different types of fruit crops, vegetables, fruits, trees and shrubs.
For those who are completely unfamiliar with the pest, it is worth noting that the pests do not feed on fruits, but suck the juice from young greenery and buds.
The aphid has a sharp proboscis, with which it pierces the thin, delicate skin of the tops and the back of the leaves.
Types of aphids found in the garden:
- cabbage;
- peach;
- apple;
- black;
- cherry;
- root
Defenders
The best protection against pests is the smell of hot and spicy plants. The following will come to the rescue: onions, garlic, cilantro, rosemary, basil and mint. Neighborhood pests will bypass if you have a planting of fennel, horseradish or rhubarb on your property.
Ageratum, nasturtium, daisies, marigolds, petunias, poppies - these plants are capable of luring insects that feed on aphids. You can also build bark houses for lacewings, ladybugs, earwigs and some other predators. Combine business with pleasure: place bird feeders on your property. Passerines love to feast on plant pests.
Everyone knows that prevention is better than cure. Therefore, preventive work to combat aphids must be carried out. Both “folk remedies” and chemical industry products will help here.
Signs of aphids on plants
An aphid attack can be identified if you are attentive to the garden and inspect it regularly. Here are some of the most obvious signs of pests:
- A cluster of insects on the underside of leaves. These may appear as green, black or brown spots from afar.
Aphids and ants.
- Under the plants there are light debris, like coarse dust - old insect skin.
- The leaves are rolled up and covered with a sticky substance.
- The buds dry out, become deformed and do not open.
- The fruits change appearance, color and shape.
- Ants are actively moving.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Koshalev
I dig in the garden at the dacha until the last rays of sunshine every day. No specialty, just an amateur with experience.
Do you know how well aphids and ants interact? The former secrete honeydew, food for ants. In return, the ants carry the eggs and larvae of aphids around the area, even leaving them to overwinter in their anthill.
The best intestinal remedies
Intestinal agents enter the digestive system of pests, poisoning the insects. They act more slowly than contact ones, but have a low risk of re-infection.
5 Actellik
Aktellik
Actellik is sold in large containers for processing large vegetable gardens and summer cottages. The drug effectively protects agricultural crops and flowers. It is often used for processing warehouses and grain stocks. The formula adheres well to an inert surface and lasts for several weeks. A nice bonus is the short waiting period between spraying and harvesting. The composition does not penetrate into vegetables and fruits and does not remain in the soil.
Reviews say that Actellik is compatible with most insecticides and fungicides. However, it is advised to check each case. The drug has the best effect at the initial stage, one course consists of 2 sprays with a difference of 5-7 days. Then you can forget about aphids for several seasons. Buyers warn of a strong chemical smell that makes them dizzy. Because of this, it is not suitable for treating residential premises. The product is sold in large containers, not everyone needs that much.
4 Chlorophos
Chlorophos
Chlorophos is the most famous drug from this group; it paralyzes aphids. A few hours later she dies. The formula is absorbed through the intestines and mucous membranes. It comes in powder form and is mixed in water. Due to the harsh chemicals in the composition, precautions must be taken. The stage of development of the parasites does not matter; the formula is effective against larvae and adults. The concentration depends on the severity of the problem; Chlorophos copes with any frequency of infection.
Reviews warn of inconvenient application. For example, to treat a currant bush, you will have to brush each leaf. The advantages include rapid destruction, effectiveness against all types of aphids, resistance to high temperatures and precipitation. However, the formula is extremely harmful; it is recommended to leave the area for several hours after treatment. Chlorophos lasts for 2-3 days, modern preparations protect longer.
3 Karbofos
Karbofos
Karbofos has the widest spectrum of action, covering most known pests. The active substance is an organophosphorus compound, used to treat vegetable gardens. The basis is the toxic component malathion, it quickly kills pests. The manufacturer recommends carefully treating trees; the formula only works on areas completely covered with the composition. The drug is very resistant to sunlight, rain, and wind.
It is highly recommended not to spray Karbofos at home; it has a rather pungent, chemical smell. There are reviews online from users who ventilated the room for several months. When used regularly against aphids, it becomes addictive. This can be avoided by treating pests with a mixture of several products. Karbofos does not affect parasite eggs; it is not created for prevention. The drug is recommended for the most severe lesions; one course consists of 3 sprays.
2 Fufanon-nova
Fufanon-nova
Most of Fufanon nova is talathion, which covers the stems and foliage, protecting it from pests. The substance remains in the air for some time, scaring off unwanted neighbors. The drug kills all insects that eat grass and bark. However, the formula is very susceptible to rain and quickly breaks down into simple particles. On the other hand, low aggressiveness makes it the safest for vegetables, animals and children. Protection lasts from 10 days, pests die after a few days.
Buyers are advised to combine Fufanon-nova with more chemical drugs to combat serious infections. They talk about effective getting rid of aphids. Many are pleased with the low price and availability in most stores. The solution is prepared simply; any bottle is suitable for spraying. The course is just one spray.
1 Biotlin
Biotlin
Biotlin surpasses its competitors in terms of duration of action. It is based on the substance imadacloprid, which has acaricidal and insecticidal properties. It enters the pest’s body, paralyzing the respiratory tract and digestive tract. The aphid dies within a few hours. The drug is the best for a complex effect on adults, larvae and eggs. Parasites that migrate from other trees die within a few days. Then they are shaken off the leaves by wind and rain.
The product is most effective due to the lack of addiction in insects. Biotlin can be alternated with other chemicals. However, mixing it is not recommended. The result lasts up to 3 weeks, during which time aphid eggs are eliminated. A nice bonus is getting rid of the ants; they lose their main source of food. Spraying currant leaves and other bushes is carried out in calm weather in the morning or evening.
How to choose a method to combat aphids
The fight against aphids is a rather complex and complex procedure. There are a number of factors on which the choice of control methods depends.
Expert opinion
Evgeniy Koshalev
I dig in the garden at the dacha until the last rays of sunshine every day. No specialty, just an amateur with experience.
I would like to note that this list is my subjective opinion and may differ from the ideas of other gardeners. Now I’ll make a list and comment on it below.
Factor 1. How many pests are there in the garden?
If there is a small amount of infestation, it is better not to be lazy and kill the aphids manually. But you can’t crush the hordes on a tree with your hands.
Factor 2. Timing
In the spring you can spray with an insecticide, and before harvesting, apply infusions or decoctions. This is due to the safety and toxicity of some products.
Factor 3. Place
Although the control methods are more or less the same, it is necessary to carefully consider how to remove aphids. So, it is easy to wash off the top of the tree with a strong stream of water, but the tomato fruits will suffer from such manipulation.
Factor 4. Personal preference
I’ll be honest – insecticides are not my thing. Consider me a naive pensioner, but I use everything the old fashioned way. But many busy people have a different opinion - spray the plants in the country twice and stop worrying about it.
Conclusions and recommendations
1. When using “folk” remedies in the fight against aphids, the main thing you should pay attention to is REGULARITY . These products do not give a quick effect; multiple treatments are required, which must be carried out WEEKLY !!! But the work pays off in full - it is possible to get an environmentally friendly harvest, without the use of chemicals.
to alternate all of the above techniques .
3. “Folk” methods are used starting from the second half of summer until the end of the harvest. In spring and early summer, it is recommended to destroy aphids using only insecticides in order to prevent a massive multimillion-dollar increase in their numbers.
4. “Folk” remedies are used only in private household plots and on small plots; in the conditions of industrial agricultural production they are not advisable.
5. Folk remedies for aphids are good... but... if it doesn’t work out, and the number of insects is only increasing, do not procrastinate and treat with insecticides. Otherwise, you can completely lose the harvest and destroy the plants. Today, biological products and biological methods for protecting plants from pests have been developed and are widely used. The main thing is a competent approach when choosing a drug.
Measures to prevent the appearance of aphids
And finally, you should pay attention to how to prevent aphids from appearing on plants. Maybe all this seems simple and elementary, but it is precisely such simple things that keep the garden clean.
- Carry out inspections in a timely manner so as not to miss the appearance of pests.
Aphid on a leaf.
- Pruning and removing weeds.
- Remove anthills from the area and monitor the spread of these animals in the plantings.
- In autumn, tidy up the area, remove growth and tops.
- Comply with crop rotation requirements and choose the right neighbors.
The best means of systemic action
Systemic drugs penetrate plants, making them poisonous to pests. They are suitable for processing bushes and tall trees, especially when a person cannot reach the top branches. The difference from competitors is fast absorption; the products are not afraid of rain. However, it takes several weeks to wait for the result.
5 Confidelin
Konfidelin
Confidelin quickly removes aphids from vegetables, flowers and other crops. It protects plants for 14 days and does not decompose when exposed to sunlight. The formula is resistant to humid air and does not wash off when watering. The composition is not phytotoxic and does not harm the environment. When dosed correctly, it is not dangerous to people, animals and good insects. Confideline is useful against most species of aphids. It is allowed to be mixed with other drugs.
Buyers note the rapid action of the product and the low risk of addiction. They say that plants get rid of the problem with the first spray. However, you need to work through each leaf, it takes a lot of solution. Maximum effectiveness occurs on day 3. The formula copes with any degree of infection, the effect varies depending on the concentration in the water. It has two active substances, so it affects a larger number of pests (compared to competitors).
4 Commander
Commander
The commander is aimed at getting rid of garden pests. The basis is the strong organic poison imidacloprid. It added 200 grams per liter. The drug comes in ampoules of different volumes; there are options for home plants and large gardens. It does not lose effectiveness even at very high temperatures. Quickly dissolves in water, turning into a stable suspension. Aphids do not get used to the formula; it lasts for several seasons. Low level of toxicity does not harm nature.
The Commander has the lowest consumption and an affordable price. The substance is resistant to washing off; one treatment is enough for the season. The formula is stored in the cells of trees and bushes for a month. Buyers call it most effective when applied early in the spring. For example, when the first leaves appear on roses. The result is visible after 3 days, at first it seems that there is no effect. However, the Commander cannot cope with large-scale infections alone.
3 Aktara
Aktara
Aktara is a neonicotinoid and affects the receptors of the nervous system. The main active ingredient thiamethoxam penetrates into plants, but practically does not affect the fruits. When watering bushes and trees, the formula takes up to 3 days to reach the top stems. Aktara is not afraid of high temperatures and does not lose effectiveness in the rain. Protection lasts up to a month in leaves and up to 60 days in soil. However, there is a risk of aphids becoming accustomed, which can lead to repeated infections. The drug only affects larvae; it is recommended to alternate it with other chemicals. It is compatible with most insecticides and fungicides.
Customers say the formula is harmful to bees and beneficial insects. Aktar should be sprayed in calm weather. The product is used up quickly, the ground must be wet. The plant is watered abundantly with the solution. You need to monitor the situation for a week; the aphids may return. It is not recommended to use Aktara near bodies of water.
2 Spark Gold protection
Spark Golden Protection
Spark Gold Protection is one of the latest developments based on imidacloprid. It is popular all over the world, tested on 140 crops. The formula protects against most annoying pests and their larvae. The best results were obtained on potatoes, currants, and ornamental crops. The product has a long-lasting effect, quickly absorbing into the leaves. The composition spreads throughout the above-ground part of the plant, lingering for a month. It helps against aphids that have adapted to other chemicals.
Buyers note excellent performance in hot weather, Iskra simplifies the care of plants in warm regions. It does not pose a danger to humans, animals, fish and beneficial insects. And the pests die from “nervous excitement”; the weakest ones fall off immediately. The formula is recommended for general use at any stage of infection. It is allowed to spray the product at home, but it is advisable to ventilate the room well.
1 Tanrek
Tanrek
Tanrek is effective against adult aphids and larvae. It is indicated when FOS and pyrethroids do not help. The product protects treated plants for several weeks. It is not afraid of high temperatures and rain. The best results are obtained on apple trees, roses and flower crops, currants, tomatoes and cucumbers. The formula penetrates into stems, leaves and roots. It blocks the nervous system, the aphid dies within 24 hours. The product is not as effective for prevention, only when mixed with other chemicals.
Buyers considered the main advantage to be a one-time use that destroys the entire population at once. The formula has an increased level of danger and has a bad effect on humans and animals. But it does not suppress plant growth or spoil the fruits. The product should not be used near bodies of water; it poisons fish. Spraying should be carried out in calm weather. For safety, it is recommended to use a respirator, protective clothing and goggles.
Laundry soap
When deciding how to get rid of aphids at home, prepare an effective solution. Take 10 liters of water and grate 100 g of soap. Mix everything well so that the components are combined with each other.
Plants are treated against aphids using two methods:
- Pour the composition into a spray bottle. All garden crops are irrigated. Repeat the procedure once a week. If it rains, the plants are treated when weather conditions improve. The method is suitable for berry bushes and crops in greenhouses.
- Using the resulting solution and a sponge, which you buy in a store, wash each leaf and twig from aphids. The method is suitable for currant and raspberry bushes and vegetable plantings. Repeat once every 14 days.
The product is used when they do not know how to treat trees against aphids.
What are the dangers of chemical treatment?
Despite all their effectiveness, chemicals have several significant disadvantages that make their use dangerous. Let's consider the most significant of them.
- Poisoning. When working with poisons, you can get minor poisoning. This is especially true for those summer residents who neglect protective equipment.
- Harm to plants. Incorrect dosage may cause chemical burns.
- Nitrates in fruits. Do not get overly involved in treating with pesticides. Some of them, when decomposed, leave nitrates in the fruits.
- In addition, treatment with chemicals during flowering can cause the death of bees. Most poisons are non-selective, meaning they are dangerous to all insects, beneficial and pests. Treatment with such compounds during periods of abundant flowering leads to damage to all agriculture, and especially to beekeeping.
Wood ash
The powder is used as a natural fertilizer for fruit and horticultural crops. The product is recommended for beginners who do not know how to get rid of aphids on trees. The acidity of the soil decreases, so pests do not land on the leaves. The ash after burning wood is ground into powder.
Prepare a composition of 10 liters of boiling water, 2-3 kg of ash and 100 ml of garden special soap. The last component is replaced with a household liquid ingredient. The resulting composition is infused for 2 days. The prepared solution is used to treat all plants against insects in the garden.
What types are there
This pest can be easily identified by these signs:
- Soft and translucent body without chitinous cover;
- The color of the insect completely depends on the plant on which it parasitizes, so there are black, green or white shades;
- The size does not exceed 2 mm;
- Body shape directly depends on the type of insect;
- The body of each insect is decorated with soft short fluff, and minor asymmetrical tubercles perfectly complement the appearance of each individual;
- Some insects have wings;
- Due to the presence of thin and long legs, aphids can crawl or jump, and the organs of touch are small antennae;
- Often individuals do not have distinct sexual characteristics, but there are some specimens that have received the gene responsible for such a mutation. Thanks to it, it is possible to accurately determine whether a female or a male is in front of the student.
During the winter, aphids lay eggs, from which new individuals hatch in the spring. It is not of fundamental importance for these insects to parasitize young seedlings, seedlings or trees. Scientists identify the following types:
- green, often found on seedling sprouts,
- white, affecting indoor plants,
- black or universal,
- floral, so named because of its habitat preference.
