Bierce1_small
Reputation: 640

Best aphid-removal techniques for indoor plants?

I keep removing aphids only to see them come back after a few days out of the apartment, I'm currently spraying with an organic soap, and when this runs out I've heard that Dr Bronner's sprays well enough. I'm rapidly losing patience with picking them off using tweezers, especially with a dense pot of flowers that seems to be covered.

As it's an apartment, I don't want to bring in other potential cleanup-infestation problems like ladybugs, any hints or tips to keep me from going nuts and optimize the effort?

On Amazon, I can see lacewing eggs, mantis eggs, and beneficial nematodes, the eggs would end up far too much overkill and mess, should I buy the nematodes? (granted, I'd prefer something less than $18, but I'm rapidly losing patience and sanity here )

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  • Dsc_0339_small
    Reputation: 675

    You didn't mention what type of flowering plant you have in your apartment?  So, here's my recent houseplant aphid experience; I hope this info is helpful--at least it's another approach to consider.

    I recently purchased a Meyer Lemon tree and immediately spotted APHIDS! I want lemons, not insects!! The tree, which had been in a nursery greenhouse, was brought into my house, and, most likely, with the change in environment, the aphids appeared. Once I noticed, the aphids, happily feasting on several leaves and flower buds, I took the tree into the shower and sprayed off the pests--(Note:  you must spray the top and bottoms of leaves). After trying this for a week, I decided to take more action. I visited the nursery where I purchased the tree, explained the problem, and was told to "spray the tree with water" to knock off the aphids. Since I had been doing this for a week, I talked it over with the nursery manager who agreed I should try an insecticide safe for use on a fruit tree. I purchased "Green Light NEEM II." This insecticide is registered for use on fruits, nuts, vegetables, herbs, spices, roses, houseplants, flowers, and shrubs. The label recommends spraying every 7-14 days. I plan to take a more conservative approach. I sprayed the tree outside, carefully spraying the entire plant--top and bottom of all leaves, buds, and flowers, and allowed it to dry before bringing it back inside.  Since spraying 2 1/2 weeks ago and I have seen no pests and will avoid spraying again unless absolutely necessary. I also repotted the tree with new potting soil and a slightly larger pot.

    As a way to prevent further problems, I am practicing good plant hygiene by picking up fallen leaves and flowers, misting the tree to encourage good humidity, and watering the appropriate amount each week.  For now, I have the tree isolated from all other houseplants to avoid a mass infestation.  

    Would I bring in beneficial nematodes or other predators for houseplants?  No.  If you decide to spray, make sure you select a product that is recommended for the pest you are trying to control (aphids) and make sure the label says the product is registered for use on your plant.  Well, I hope this helps!  

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4 Other Answers

  • Cats_small
    Reputation: 891

    Not totally sure. I've heard that if you crush a few and leave their carcass there other aphids will avoid that area. So go mid-evil :)

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  • Img_2864_small
    Reputation: 203

    Think of your aphids as a recurring dream, or Freudian slips...gentle forces that encourage you to look further beneath the surface.

    What is your plant stressed about? A small pot? Not enough/too much water? Too little or too much light? Mine usually congregate on my plants that have outgrown their pots. Give them a new roomier pot, with some new compost mixed into their roots, and they will most likely reward you with aphid freedom.

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  • Veronica-lake-by-rosejuvenal_small
    Reputation: 480

    Bury a few cloves of garlic in the soil. This worked really well for our miniature rose -- no more aphids!

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  • He-man_small
    Reputation: 73

    Sadly, I don't know if I've ever *successfully rid aphids from a plant (outdoors or indoors).

    Nasturtiums do wonders attracting them away from other plants, but I don't know if that'll help in your problem.

    However, I don't know if an "infestation" of ladybugs is really much of a concern. For outdoor plants, they usually fly away quickly. You could buy a packet of ladybugs (which I think contains 500 of them) and released a handful on your plants and see what happens. An infestation of ladybugs is far better than an infestation of aphids! (I've also heard that lacewings are far more effective than ladybugs, but know nothing else about that).

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