How to Get Rid of Aphids

Aphids can be a challenging plant pest in the garden. It's not that they're difficult to kill, and there's no lack of natural predators - but they're particularly good at reproduction. That's their superpower! So even if you can wipe aphids (aka greenfly) out on one plant or another, they'll literally drop in from the sky when you're not looking and begin another outbreak. In this video I'll discuss why heavy pesticides or any attempt at exclusion are poor long-term strategies for dealing with aphids - and I'll talk about targeted and biological alternatives.

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Photo credits:

Aphid live birth (1) by Lennart Tange CC BY 2.0

Aphid live birth (2) by MedievalRich CC BY-SA 3.0

Aphids parasitized by Norbert Nagel CC BY-SA 3.0

Aphidius wasp by Nikk from Peterborough, UK CC BY 2.0

Aphidius diagram Des Helmore / Manaaki Whenua – Landcare Research CC BY-SA 4.0

[Pp-nu]

I wish all gardening videos were as informative with no BS like yours, Jason. Thank you for what you do!

[jenniferbrawley]

Things I like about your videos: There is no long preamble about what the video is going to cover; no encouragement to press this or that button; videos are full of good information which are clear and presented in an ‘easy to understand’ way and finally, they are never too long. Thanks for doing such good videos.

[sonjad]

Wow! This is one of the best gardening videos I've watched in a long time (and I watch a lot!). Thank you so much for this super clear and informative content. I feel so much more prepared for the season ahead! In the past I thought I had to eradicate the aphids, and now I know what is more realistic and manageable.

[JohnSG]

Many thanks for that. Fascinating.
I'm in Adelaide, South Australia. 100% of the aphid problem on my potted (60cm half-barrels) standard roses was the ant-farmed variety. The ants take up residence in the pots and overwinter aphid eggs. In early spring, the eggs hatch and thousands of the little critters rise to the surface and make a b-line for the rose stems, which they then climb up and populate the rose canopy. The ants then travel up and down the roses 'harvesting' the aphids' excreta (honeydew).
This spring I was prepared. I grease-banded each of my standards after winter pruning, and also made sure the wooden stakes had a good layer of grease applied too. Result? Thousands of dead aphids, all stuck on the grease bands and stakes. Zero on my bushes. For the band, I used a self-fusing slicone tape (aka 'electrical tape'). It's tough and expands as the stem thickens. The grease is a viscous, waxy horticultural type and came in a 500g tub. A little goes a long way.
I haven't encountered any 'flying' aphids yet. I'm expecting to see them later in the season, early autumn most likely, when the 'resident' populations start running out of food.

[jackiejlw]

Thank you, that’s really informative! Jason, could you please do a video or links to the best predator attracting plants for rose gardens? 😊

[adriansimionescu]

I've watched a lot of YouTube videos about aphids, or other insects . This video is the most complete and honest I've seen. Thank you, you are a special and responsible person. I wish you a Happy New Year 🍷

[lorip]

Thank you Jason, you are a wealth of information and my little garden space has greatly improved since I found your channel.

[bunkyman]

Thanks for the biology lesson. The study of life has always fascinated me. Such a good video. You have done all the work and research for us. Thanks again!

[paulinecrispin]

Hi Jason, fascinating information. Never knew any of this. Makes sense why they seem to appear from 'out of the blue.'

[Cinderella]

Thank you for this informative video about aphids. No wonder they appear and multiply so quickly. I've been checking my three roses every day and brown aphids are attacking the newest growth. My strategy is mush 'em and keep checking daily.

[pamelamercado]

I don't have problem with aphids but I have plenty of nats. In my area bugs and insects are few I know it's strange but I could use some good insects and bugs. Thanks for the info. It's always a good day when you learn something new.

[RefactoringRyan]

This is such an incredibly informative video. Thanks for sharing!

[soulgirlktf]

I always learn something when I watch your vids Jason ! Totally understand the stacked up aphids one after the other now and they appear from nowhere or so it seems some days, wow I get it now. I must admit I'm a bit of a 'squisher' if I see them on my rose buds they are toast ! The birds do a good job this time of year they hop from shrub to tree to rosebush and gobble up aphids for me.

[HomeHarvestCo]

I've been struggling with aphids in my garden. Your tips on organic pest control methods are very helpful. Thanks!

[bevhillbilies]

I just watched 3 of your videos; aphids, stink bugs and feeding roses. All very informative, straight up with information.
You have a new subscriber! 👍

[heatherseshadri]

Thank you for this! Understanding how they function as a colony makes so much sense. I even get overwhelmed by safer soap, as I find it messy (I'm on a patio) and the leaves hold a sticky residue. So then I find there is the honeydew from the aphids and the residue from the soap. I cut back a rose bush dramatically the other day, because I couldn't seem to get it back on track with multiple attempts... they were even inside the petals. I have ordered some ladybugs!

[GiseleCline]

So informative - excellent video - thank you.

[CanIBorrowYourRototiller]

Wow - thanks. I learned far more than I need to know about aphids, but it was really interesting.

I have a plot in a community garden and a bunch of winged aphids showed up overnight on every tomato plant there.

I think I'm going to have to trim the non producing leaves off and try the spraying water method first...I do believe I've seen a couple of their predators in there as well.

I definitely don't plan on using pesticides, but will keep that soap in mind if necessary. Thanks!

[Aurorasocali]

This is very helpful explains why aphids multiplied so quickly. I used water hose and 3 container of ladybugs. The ladybugs really helped a lot, i still find them in my garden and larva. Thank you!

[annebeck]

Love So interesting....hope lots and lots of people get to see this!!!