LITTLE BUGGER
Aphids are tiny, soft-bodied bugs that love to snack on your plants' sap. They are sometimes called "plant lice".
These little buggers can be a colorful bunch. They can be green, black, white, or even pink. They usually hang out in clusters on the underneath leaves or along the stems.
If your plant’s leaves look sticky, curled, or have tiny bumps then you've probably got aphids!
REMOVAL METHODS
PATIENCE IS KEY
If aphids are bunched on specific leaves or stems, prune them and discard safely.
Select one method and give it a little time. If the bugs are still hanging around, try another.
RINSE WITH WATER
- Take the plant to a sink, shower, or outside.
- Gently spray the leaves (top and underside) with lukewarm water to knock the aphids off.
- Repeat every few days until the aphids are gone.
NEEM OIL SOLUTION
Please read our Heads Up! on neem oil before using this method:
You will need:
- a clean spray bottle
- 1 tspn Neem Oil
- 1/2 tspn unscented castile soap
- 4 cups water
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake to combine. Spray the mixture on the top and bottom of the leaves.
Apply every 7 days until the aphids are gone. Due to this being a natural product, it can take some time.
ALCOHOL + COTTON SWAB
- Dip a cotton ball or swab in 70% isopropyl alcohol and gently wipe away aphids.
- Always spot-test first to make sure the alcohol does not harm or burn your plant.
- Rinse off alcohol before placing in direct sun to avoid leaf burn.
SPRAY & "PAINT"
Please read our Heads Up! on this mix before using this method (for major infestations).
You will need:
- a clean spray bottle
- 1/4 cup 70% isopropyl alcohol
- 1/2 tspn unscented castile soap
- 1 cup water
Combine all ingredients in the spray bottle and shake to combine.
Directions:
- Spray the top and bottom of each leaf, focusing on areas where aphids hide.
- Use a soft brush (like an old makeup or paint brush) to gently “paint” the solution into the leaf surface. We recommend wearing gloves!
- Make sure to brush both sides and around the stem to reach hidden aphids.
- Allow to dry in shaded area. Repeat in a few days if problem persists.
INSECTICIDAL SOAP
Always spot test first before full commitment! Avoid spraying in direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.
- Use a ready-to-spray insecticidal soap or mix a concentrate with water (per label instructions).
- Spray the entire plant, focusing on aphid clusters. The soap must make direct contact with the aphids to work!
- Repeat every few days until the aphids are fully gone.
BENEFICIAL INSECTS
If you can, introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings to your plants. They naturally prey on aphids.
(This works best for outdoor plants or greenhouses.)
