How do I control aphids on my indoor plants?

Chemical Control

1. Apply rubbing alcohol to the foliage with a cotton swab to kill small groups of aphids on houseplants.
2. Mix a solution of insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and water, according to the label directions, and pour the solution into a spray bottle.
3. Repeat applications of insecticides, as needed.

What soap kills aphids?

Make a homemade insecticidal soap, a low-toxicity bug control solution that will desiccate the soft bodies and kill the aphids without doing harm to your plants. Simply mix a few teaspoons of liquid dish soap with one quart of water, then spray or wipe the solution onto the leaves, stems, and buds of the plant.

Will diluted dish soap kill aphids?

You can often get rid of aphids by wiping or spraying the leaves of the plant with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap. Soapy water should be reapplied every 2-3 days for 2 weeks. Do not dilute before spraying on plants. Diatomaceous earth (DE) is a non-toxic, organic material that will kill aphids.

Does lye soap kill bugs?

Insecticidal soaps are affordable and effective against many soft-bodied pests such as aphids, soft scales, psyllids, whiteflies, mealybugs, thrips, and spider mites. However, insecticidal soaps are made by saponification with potassium hydroxide, a traditional lye.

What causes aphid infestation?

On healthy plants, these common insects don’t cause much harm and beneficial insects such as ladybugs help reduce their numbers. Aphids become more of a problem when things get out of whack, usually when plants are stressed by drought, poor soil conditions, or overcrowding.

Is soapy water bad for plants?

Usually, small amounts of well-diluted dish soap don’t hurt flowerbeds, and soapy water is better than no water for plants during a drought. Don’t assume that dish soap is completely safe, however. It must be applied according to certain guidelines to prevent plant damage.

What is the ratio of soap to water for aphids?

Mix together 1 tablespoon of dish soap and 1 quart of water, or 5 tablespoons of soap per 1 gallon of water if you have a lot of plants to spray. Mix the solution thoroughly, and pour it into a clean spray bottle.

How long does it take for soap to kill aphids?

Spray the plant thoroughly, coating the stems and tops and bottoms of the leaves. Allow the soap to work for about two hours, then rinse the plant with water to reduce the chance of injury.

How do you make soap safer for plants?

3 Simple Steps to Making Your Own Insecticidal Soap

1. Choose a clean spray bottle or sprayer for your mixture.
2. Mix 1 tablespoon of soap per quart of water, or 4 to 5 tablespoons of soap per gallon of water.
3. Mix together thoroughly and use immediately.

What kind of soap can I use on my plants?

Pure Soap: Use a pure liquid soap, such as Castile, or all-natural soap. The active ingredient in insecticidal soap comes from the fatty acids in animal fat or vegetable oil, so it’s important to use the real thing.

What plant do aphids hate?

Marigolds, known for being able to drive away all kinds of pests, have a scent that keeps aphids far away. Catnip, known for attracting cats, also has a way of repelling most other pests, aphids included. Some other fragrant herbs, such as fennel, dill, and cilantro are also known to deter aphids.

How do you keep aphids from coming back?

Control with natural or organic sprays like a soap-and-water mixture, neem oil, or essential oils. Employ natural predators like ladybugs, green lacewings, and birds. Grow the right plants that attract predatory insects, plants that repel aphids, and plants that “trap” aphids.