The leading pests gardeners contend with are aphids. These bugs are notorious for destroying plants and flowers, as they chew holes in foliage as a means of extracting the precious fluids inside.
Every gardener has had their fair share of insect battles. Keeping bugs away can seem like a full time job, a never-ending fight requiring unwavering persistence. One species that may earn the title for being the most loathed is the aphid. These are the tiny insects that cause extensive damage every year to plants and flowers. If not stopped, they can destroy an entire garden in a short amount of time. Many species of this bugs are born not just with an annoying appetite for your flowers, but with wings, making them even more of a hassle. They are also a stubborn breed, and are not easily dispersed once they have settled into an area to feast upon.
It should be noted that while small concentrations of aphids typically do not raise immediate concerns, the same cannot be said for when they are in large groups. Not only can they destroy plants by chewing away at leaves, some species also inject harmful toxins into the plants, causing the vegetation to stop growing altogether. The harmful side effects of an aphid swarm mean that they should be dealt with swiftly. To keep the problem from getting out of control, be sure to contact an Atlanta pest control company if you happen to spot aphids. It is better to be safe than sorry, especially since it can be difficult to identify exactly what type of species is causing the damage.
How to Stop Aphids from Ruining your Garden
- Hose your plants down regularly: To effectively eliminate the bugs, strong forceful sprays are recommended. Set the nozzle on your hose sprayer to jet mode, and do a few, thorough passes. This will remove any aphids from the leaves and kill them in the process.
- Use a bottle of insecticidal soap: This is excellent for killing aphids and for deterring them from coming back. Aphids reproduce extremely fast; within just two weeks of life, they can mate. Females can also give birth to nymphs without needing a mate, which is why protecting your garden at all times is essential.
- Get some ladybugs: When it comes to controlling pests, nothing works better than Mother Nature. Ladybugs are natural aphid predators, and can help keep large numbers in check. Given that they will fly away within a few days, though, don’t consider this a long term solution.
Aphids do not destroy plants completely most of the time, but the damage they do leave behind can be unpleasant to look at and harmful your plant’s health. By employing these tips and calling an Atlanta pest control firm, you should not have a problem keeping most of them out of your garden.