Can household items combat aphid infestations?
Written by
Paul Reynolds
Reviewed by
Prof. Samuel Fitzgerald, Ph.D.Household items provide easy-to-access alternatives for natural aphid control that do not rely on synthetic chemicals. Castile soap entirely disrupts the cell membranes of aphids upon contact. For reference, I have been using 1 tbsp per quart of water for large aphid populations for years. Garlic-chili sprays and diatomaceous earth (DE) have also shown effectiveness in aphid control. Garlic along with the chili acts as a repellent for about a week, while DE dehydrates the aphids within hours upon contact. Reflective mulch also shows promise in repelling winged aphids and cutting the population down by 60% in my trials.
Castile Soap Spray
- Mix 1 tbsp unscented soap per quart of water
- Test pH with litmus strips (ideal 6.0-6.5)
- Spray undersides of leaves at dawn
- Rinse edible plants 4 hours post-application
Garlic-Chili Infusion
- Blend 3 garlic bulbs + 10 habaneros in 2 cups water
- Steep 24 hours, strain through cheesecloth
- Add 1 tsp soap as sticker agent
- Apply weekly, avoid eye contact during spraying
DE works efficiently as a dry product, so I sprinkle a thin layer on foliage using a flour sifter. Apply every few days, or after it rains. I like to mix diatomaceous earth with my soap sprays in the morning and let it dry. This way, the plants are protected 24/7. Reflective mulch requires 30% ground coverage. When using reflective mulch, make sure to overlap sheets by 6 inches, to block landing paths for aphids.
Handling Precautions
- Wear gloves when handling chili sprays
- Store garlic solutions in glass jars ≤7 days
- Keep DE away from pollinators' flight paths
- Label all containers clearly
Read the full article: Natural Aphid Control: 12 Safe Solutions for Plants
