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Aphids are widespread pests and like to settle in herb beds. Since lice prefer the sensitive leaves and young shoots of herbs, the voracious insects can cause a lot of damage. In extreme cases, the affected plants can even die off completely. Suitable countermeasures must therefore be taken promptly. Since herbs are edible crops, natural home remedies are preferable to chemical treatments.

Settle natural predators

Natural predators are a quick and easy way to get rid of aphids. If the beneficial insects feel comfortable in the herb bed and settle permanently, they prove to be very efficient in combating them and can eat a large number of lice every day. In this way, the gardener can sit back and relax and the necessary countermeasures take care of themselves.

  • Ladybird larvae are among the predators
  • Lacewing and gall midge larvae are also included
  • Earwigs and parasitic wasps also eat lice
  • Encourage settlement with nest boxes and insect hotels

Notice: The breeding and living areas for the natural predators can be obtained from specialist retailers, but you can also construct the equipment yourself.

Plant deterrent herbs

Although lice appear to be extremely voracious, the pests are picky about their diet and do not like all herbs by a long shot. It is therefore advisable to plant certain varieties in the herb bed, as their scent often drives away the lice. Garlic cloves have proven to be helpful, which are first cut and then placed vertically in the bed with the cut side facing up.

  • Aphids avoid lavender and sage
  • Don't like savory and thyme
  • Perceive very strong smells as disturbing
  • Plant garlic and onions in the herb bed

Make your own manure

Manure made from various plants has proven to be an effective home remedy against the pests. Various herbs have been used to combat pests in local garden beds for many centuries.

Manure made from field horsetail

Field horsetail not only has a deterrent effect on insects, but also strengthens the immune system of the herbs as a preventive measure. In this way, even sensitive plants can better protect themselves against infestation with lice.

  • Use about 1 kg of fresh field horsetail
  • Alternatively use 200 g dried leaves
  • Soak the herb in 2 liters of cold water for 1-2 days
  • Then put liquid manure in spray bottle
  • Spray infested herbs several times a day
  • Repeat this measure every week as a preventive measure

Nettle broth

Stinging nettles have also been known for a long time as a harmless household remedy for combating aphids. The brew should be able to infuse well after it has been prepared, but the mixture must not ferment. Since the fermentation process starts quickly, especially on warm summer days, it is better to keep the brew in the fridge at this time of year. Otherwise, the broth will develop an unappetizing stench, which can be mitigated with rock flour if necessary. Brew that is already fermenting can be used as a fertilizer for herbs, as it strengthens the plants’ immune system against infestation with lice.

  • Use 200 g fresh nettles
  • As an alternative, take 20 g of dried leaves
  • Roughly chop plant parts
  • Soak in 1 liter of water for 2 days
  • Then strain well
  • Pour undiluted broth into spray bottle
  • Spray infested herbs, repeat often

Garlic broth

Garlic has proven to be particularly effective in controlling aphids. Not only does the planting of the spice plant deter the lice in the herb bed, an effective brew can also be made from it. Above all, the extremely strong odor and essential oils of garlic help against pest infestation. The garlic brew also proves its worth in the case of problems with other voracious insects, including maggots, mites, caterpillars or snails. Furthermore, the broth has proven to be beneficial and healing for harmful fungal diseases.

Allium sativum
  • Finely chop 50 g fresh garlic
  • Pour 1.5 liters of boiling hot water over it
  • Then leave for 3-4 hours
  • Then strain through a tea towel
  • Pour cold broth into spray bottle
  • Spray infested herbs often with undiluted liquid
  • Repeat weekly as a preventive measure

Notice: Broth, manure and decoctions made from plants are often only helpful in the early stages of an infestation. When aphids explode, far more powerful antidotes are needed.

neem oil

Neem oil has its origins in Asian Ayurveda and is used there for many purposes. The multi-faceted oil is available in health food stores, drugstores and health food stores. It should be noted that neem oil has a strong effect and an intense smell, so the agent should never be used undiluted. Otherwise, the herbs may be damaged and burned. Since neem oil is extremely effective, the lice are weak and listless after just a few hours after the first application. After further applications, the aphids can be completely got rid of in the herb bed.

  • Mixture of 1 teaspoon of neem oil with 1 liter of water
  • Pour into a spray bottle and shake vigorously
  • Spray affected parts of the plant with it every day
  • Use several times a day in severe infestations
  • Perform preventively every week

Curd or soft soap

Both curd and soft soap have established themselves in the fight against lice. Since these natural soaps do not contain any excess fat, there is no greasy layer on the sensitive herbs after use. No fragrances or colorings are used in the manufacture of the soap products, nor are there any artificial thickeners. Liquid soaps and scented soaps are not suitable as antidotes because they contain perfume and chemical ingredients. Otherwise, this will lead to a deterioration in the aromatic taste of the herbs.

  • Organic curd and soft soap is ideal
  • Separate about 50 g from the soap
  • Grate or finely chop the bar of soap
  • Then dissolve in 1 liter of warm water
  • Cool and pour soapy solution into spray bottle
  • Spray only affected herbs
  • Soap should not drip onto soil
  • Wash off the soap solution well before use

Tip: In the case of a particularly severe infestation with aphids, the effectiveness of the soap solution can be intensified with high-proof alcohol from the drugstore.

baking soda

Baking soda is a universal household remedy that is also suitable for getting rid of lice in the herb bed. Since the antidote is completely harmless to both human health and the environment, higher doses can also be used. By adding other ingredients, it is also suitable for combating stubborn scale and mealybugs.

  • Add at least 1 teaspoon of baking soda to 1 liter of water
  • Shake vigorously to dissolve agent well
  • Supplement with neem oil in case of heavy infestation
  • Alternatively add alcohol or soap solution
  • Sprinkle affected herbs for several days

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Category:

Garden pests