A Quick Tip About Aphids

By psa
May 8, 2012

Aphids come in all colors, including green, yellow, red, and black, doing damage primarily to young, tender foliage and buds. They're defenseless and can easily be squished, brushed, or sprayed off. Insecticidal soap sprays and oils may be used as well, but they will harm your aphid predators, too. Control for ants in the area, since colonies often spread aphids, protecting them and feeding off of the sticky sweet substance they produce.

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May 9, 2012 3:15 PM CST
Thread OP
Name: Jeremy Lucas
Jacksonville, FL
The aphids that (always!) seem to be on milkweed plants, from what I understand, are specific to milkweeds and don't really do any harm or spread to other plants.

For other aphids, I use a mixture of about 1 tablespoon of mild soap (Ivory flakes, if you can find them, or a soap for baby diapers -- if you use liquid soap, don't use those with antibiotics or bleach), about 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or Murphy's oil soap blended in about 1 pint of water. For extra effectiveness, I add about 1 teaspoon of rubbing alcohol to the blend. Spray it on the aphids with a light mist sprayer.

Jeremy
Avatar for MaryandLance
May 15, 2012 9:09 PM CST

Does NEEM oil work on the milkweed as well? I am supposing that milkweed is the same as Butterfly Weed ?
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