Get rid of Aphids for good!

Getting rid of Aphids for good

       A couple years ago, we had an aphid problem, and it was only on certain plants in our front yard. No matter what we did, they’d always be right back on the plant.   We moved 2 years ago. We dug up a couple of our plants in the fall and brought them with to our new home.  I thought for sure I would have no aphids. I was excited!  Nope… false alarm.  They were back, and again, ONLY on certain plants.  On our roses, which looked like a stick poking out of the ground with 1 single rose on top.  That’s it, no leaves.  They were on my Hibiscus’s and the lambs ear.  It wasn’t just one or two aphid bugs either, oh no.  They were COVERED!

            I tried the usual soapy water spray, tried hosing them down with the hose, organic sprays, other sprays, etc. You name it, I tried it.  So, I did some research. A lot of research.   I came across various articles on things people use or have tried.  I then researched all the ingredients they used and I came up with my own.  Let me tell you, after 4 days, those suckers are long gone!  I’m so excited!

Today I thought I’d share with all of you. I know I’m not the only one dealing with them.  As I know every plant is different so what may work for me may not work for someone else and vice versa. We never know though till we give it a shot. So here we go ~

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FAQ’s

  • Hydrogen Peroxide helps with soil fungus
  • Hydrogen Peroxide aerates the soil and works as a anti-fungal
  • It helps get rid of: aphids, mites & mealy bugs.
  • It also helps the plant with a healthy root formation and will help prevent root rot. 
  • Always use hydrogen peroxide in small amounts. Over use can kill the plant. 

Aphids-

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed by sucking the nutrient-rich liquids out of plants. In large numbers, they can weaken plants significantly, harming flowers and fruit. Aphids multiply quickly, so it’s important to get them under control before reproduction starts. Many generations can occur in one season.  The ones I had looked like poppy seeds.

Aphids are tiny (adults are under 1/4-inch), and often nearly invisible to the naked eye. Various species can appear white, black, brown, gray, yellow, light green, or even pink! Some may have a waxy or woolly coating. They have pear-shaped bodies with long antennae; the nymphs (young aphids) look similar to the adults.

Signs of Aphids-

Your leaves become yellowish and look wrinkled.

The flowers or fruit will become disformed.

They leave a sticky substance called “Honeydew” on the leaves.

Supplies:

Spray bottle – 6-8 ounces   I got mine here: https://amzn.to/3XmsyWI

Or  https://amzn.to/3XqOpwq ( this one sprays & mists, adjustable)

Hydrogen Peroxide – 3 or 6% no higher. We do not want to kill the plant.

Rubbing Alcohol

Dish Soap

Tablespoon

Teaspoon

Paper towels (in case of a spill)

Water- regular sink water or distilled

Step 1-                                                                                                                            

            I filled the spray bottle approx.. half full with water.  Then add 1-2 Tablespoons of Hydrogen Peroxide. After the Peroxide is added, you will add 1-2 teaspoons of rubbing alcohol.  Next is the dish soap, no it does not matter what kind of dish soap you use. I used Mrs. Meyers dish soap.  Put the lid on tight and shake well to mix everything up. 

Step 2-

            I took the spray outside and I stared at my plants to find all the spots where the aphids were at.   I sprayed those areas with the mixture I made. Even spray the dirt. There are some aphids that live in the dirt of plants.  Every single spot!  I let it sit on my plant for about 5 minutes or so.  After a couple of minutes, you will see a little bubbling. The hydrogen peroxide is doing its job at killing the aphids. 

Step 3-

I then took my hose and sprayed the whole plant.  Paying special attention to the underside of the leaves, newer baby growth/leaves, and in the middle of new growth as well.   I made sure they were all off my plant.  I probably looked like a nut job to my neighbors. Staring closely at the plant. 

I did this once a day for 5 days. On day five, there were no more Aphids!   I took pictures of every day. If you look at some of the leaves and on the stem of the leaves you’ll see groupings of what looks like dirt (they are Aphids) and you will see 1-2 Aphids on the leaves themselves. Below is the first 4 days, I also included a picture with the mixture I sprayed on it and after. The very last picture is day 5, Aphid free! I know it’s hard to see bugs from pictures. The mixture worked great!