Aphids are the biggest enemy of every hobby gardener. They mainly attack young shoots, buds and the undersides of leaves of a wide variety of plants from May to autumn. They can do a lot of damage after a short time. Especially in warm and dry weather, an epidemic can quickly break out. The lice do not have to be fought immediately with chemical agents. Various home remedies, such as garlic, can also be helpful against aphids.
aphids
Already in winter the lice lay their eggs for the first population in spring. The most common plant pest sucks the sweet sap from young leaves and shoots of many plants with its stinging mouthparts. It can form huge colonies in a very short time. The yellow, green, reddish or black crawling creatures are only a few millimeters in size and are sometimes barely visible to the naked eye. Their life expectancy is not exactly very high. However, this time is perfectly sufficient to multiply as quickly as possible and a lot.
The affected plants are permanently damaged by sucking and dangerous pathogens such as viruses can be transmitted. Chemicals do not always have to be used to combat aphids. The use of organic home remedies, such as garlic, is usually quite effective against an infestation of lice. In the case of a light infestation, however, it is sometimes enough
- a jet of water or
- wiping the teats with your fingers
Aphid infestation on a rose
Indoor plants can also be treated all around with the hair dryer in an inclined position. The flightless lice aren't exactly mobile enough to attack again. On the other hand, in the case of a severe infestation, liquid manure, broth and teas prove to be very beneficial. The use of garlic has proven particularly effective in combating aphids. This can be applied in different ways. Incidentally, if garlic is used regularly against these aphids, the plants can often also be supplied with important minerals.
notice: If nothing helps to drive away the lice in the long term, it may be helpful to change the location of the affected plant.
Early detection of aphid infestation
Before tried and tested home remedies such as garlic (Allium sativum) can be used against lice, the infestation must be detected in good time. It is important to check plants regularly. The first signs of the appearance of these creepy-crawlies are
- stunted, yellowed, or curled leaves
- more fallen buds
- poor growth of the plant
- Formation of a black felty mold lawn on infested plant parts and
- a sticky coating (honeydew) on the leaves
notice: Honeydew is the sugary secretion of aphids. It is the food source for ants. These and also wasps are attracted by it.
Ants can form a symbiosis with aphids. They transport the suckers directly to the plants. Remedy can be easily created here by
- lower parts of the plant (branches, leaves) are cut back
- these must no longer touch the ground
- lower parts of trunks and stems are covered with sticky substances, tape, resin or rings of glue
Garlic against aphids
The somewhat harsh aroma of the spice and medicinal plant has a repellent effect on aphids. Various sulfur compounds are contained in the root tuber itself. These arise from chemical reactions, such as the conversion of alliin to allicin, and cause the typical smell of garlic. Using garlic against aphids can be done in a number of ways
- Use of Garlic Leaves
- Garlic cloves in the ground and
- Application of decoction or tea from the tuber
tip: Garlic also helps fight maggots, mites, snails and caterpillars. It is even an effective household remedy against powdery mildew.
Garlic leaves with low infestation
Even spice tubers planted in the garden can be used preventively to combat parasites. The leaves can be used, especially if the entire garden area is not affected. These are then simply wrapped around the trunk or stalk of the plants in question. The little suckers are then driven away by the odor that is emitted. Incidentally, fresh garlic bulbs can also be harvested at the end of the gardening season.
garlic cloves in the ground
In the garden, animal predators such as ladybirds or lacewings are often used to combat aphids. With houseplants, this is a bit difficult. Garlic cloves in the soil around the plant can remedy this. However, it should be said that this method is only helpful if the plants are not yet infested with lice. It's a pure preventive measure. The procedure is as follows:
- Peel garlic cloves
- then stick it into the ground right next to the root area
Normally, the toes should still be halfway out of the ground. In this way, the essential oils of the garlic can also be distributed well around the plants by the air movements. However, the smell should not be very pleasant with plants in the room. It is therefore advisable to lightly cover the toes of indoor plants with soil. The active ingredients are then first absorbed by the roots and thus reach all other parts of the plant. However, there is a chance that the toes will start to rot. A garlic brew or tea has proven to be more effective in combating these plant pests.
Allium sativum
tip: Garlic bulbs planted between roses, strawberries and around the vegetable patch also provide effective protection against fungal diseases.
Garlic broth for severe aphid infestation
A broth made from garlic cloves is very easy to make yourself. For this are required
- 50 g fresh garlic cloves
- 5 liters of water
- an appropriately sized pot
- a sieve and
- a spray bottle
When everything is in place, you can start making the brew. This is usually pretty easy.
- Finely chop the cloves
- either pour boiling water over it or boil it briefly
- Let the brew steep for at least three hours
- then strain
- Pour the cooled liquid into a spray bottle
Affected plants can then be sprayed with this broth every five to ten days. This process should be repeated until there are no more lice. The scent of this natural product dissipates very quickly outdoors. Alternatively, three large cloves of garlic can be peeled and halved and then placed in a bottle. This is filled with one liter of water and placed in a dry place for 14 days. After that, the broth is strained. It is then ready for use.
Onions can also be used instead of garlic against lice. They achieve the same effect when driving away aphids. This smell and the ingredients are also avoided by the suckers.
tip: The addition of a teaspoon of chili powder makes the garlic decoction even more effective.
For the sake of the environment, chemical pesticides should not always be considered before combating lice and other parasites. Many biological home remedies such as garlic or rapeseed oil can achieve the same effect against aphids. Incidentally, you protect the environment and these agents are also quite inexpensive compared to commercially available chemical agents.