Aphids feed on plant juices. During the feeding process, they usually secrete a large amount of sweet solution, or the so-called leaf honey. The hotter and drier the climate the aphids live in, the more leaf honey they release.
Aphids have winged and wingless forms and usually live in colonies, covering plant leaves and stems, or roots. Many aphids cause pathological changes to the parts of the plants on which they are located, forming deformations of leaves and shoots, sometimes also hollow outgrowths (pangas) in which they hide. Leaf honey secreted by aphids often attracts ants that feed on it. This can sometimes be beneficial for the aphids themselves, as the ants can protect them from their natural enemies. Aphids have quite a lot of natural enemies - ladybugs, goldflies, predatory bugs, spider mites, flower flies, spiders and many others.
Aphids reproduce very quickly. They are characterized by high fertility, a short development cycle, as well as the change of generations. Changing food plants is also common. Aphids develop from 4-10 to 16 generations per year.
Aphids, in my opinion, are one of the easiest pests to control.
The first way we can release the plant is to press all visible aphids with our fingers. This will have to be repeated several days in a row, but the effect will be noticeable.
The second way is to rinse the plants with a jet of water, thus also getting rid of aphids. This procedure may also have to be repeated several days in a row.
The third way is to soak the plant leaves in +65C hot water for 5 seconds. I have not used this method myself, so I cannot comment on how effective it is. Here you have to be careful not to burn the plant itself.
The fourth way is to buy green ointments that can be sprayed in the store. They can be purchased at almost any hardware store under plant pest control products. There are different types and manufacturers of green soap, all of which will be quite effective against aphids. Spray the plant with green soap every other day. Usually, after the first time, all aphids are dead, but it is recommended to repeat, so that the new generation, which may be yet to hatch or hidden individuals, are also destroyed.
The fifth way is to use Neem oil. It is 100% natural and non-toxic. You can even safely use it on vegetables and fruit trees to control aphids. You can buy neem oil on my website, where I have also described recipes for using neem oil. Treatment of plants should be done every 7 days, for at least 1 month. https://augi-plants.lv/products/nima-ella-dabigais-lidzeklis-cinai-ar-kaitekliem-100ml
If you have any other questions about plant care, apply for a consultation and I will gladly help you with advice so that you can take care of your houseplants like a professional in the future. https://augi-plants.lv/products/attalinata-konsultacija
