The following guide will show you whether soft soap and curd soap are effective remedies against aphids and when they should be used to combat them.

In a nutshell

  • Soft soap and curd soap can help
  • It should only be used in serious cases
  • other effective means of combating it can also be found
  • Predators can be an environmentally friendly alternative
  • the right approach is crucial

What are aphids?

Aphids are insects and have the scientific name Aphidoidea. About 5,000 species of these arthropods are known to date. They feed on plants by sucking the sap from the leaves and stems.
Although annoying for gardeners and garden owners, they perform an important role in the ecosystem. Because they serve other, useful animals as food.

detect infestation

Recognizing an aphid infestation is not difficult because the insects are visible to the naked eye. However, there may be other indications as well. These include:

  • falling buds
  • rolled leaves
  • sticky coating, the so-called honeydew
  • deformed leaves and shoots

prevention

A crucial point in controlling aphids is early detection. You should carry out regular checks for this. It is important to note the following points:

  • Spread of ants on individual plants
  • Check the top and bottom of the leaf
  • Follow the development of the buds
  • control stems

This ensures that the plant lice are not found in large numbers on the plants and can be removed selectively. In addition, gentler effective means can then also be used.

Tip: In addition to the checks, the plants can also be regularly rinsed or sprayed. This removes existing lice and other pests.

Use soft soap - instructions

Using soft soap against aphids is extremely easy and only takes a few steps.
Utensils needed:

  • foil
  • if necessary, a grater or a sharp knife
  • lukewarm water
  • Soft soap, liquid or solid
  • Spray bottle or plant sprayer

If these funds are available, the application can begin. The following measures are necessary for this:

  • Cover ground: To prevent the soapy water from penetrating the soil, the area around the plant should be covered with foil or a tarpaulin. Laying old towels or rags on top will help absorb the solution.
  • Prepare solution: For solid soap, 20 to 30 grams are sufficient, which can be rubbed or cut into fine strips with a grater or knife. In liquid form, 50 milliliters of the soap should be used. The soap is dissolved in a liter of warm water.
  • Spray: The solution should be mixed directly into a spray bottle or filled into one afterwards. Then you can spray the affected areas with the liquid.
  • Let absorb: After an exposure time of at least 10 minutes, the lice should be significantly reduced. If the infestation is very severe, a longer exposure time makes sense. However, it should not be missed for more than 30 minutes.
  • rinse off: So that the plant does not suffer any damage from the soap, the solution must then be rinsed off again. Pure water is sufficient for this.

Usually only one application is required. If aphids are still found or if a new infestation occurs, you must repeat the spraying with the soft soap solution.

Notice: A potential disadvantage is that the soap solution can penetrate the soil. This, in turn, can damage the plant.

Use curd soap - instructions

The use of curd soap against aphids does not differ significantly from soft soaps. The procedure is as described. However, 20 to 30 grams of this agent are sufficient for one liter.
If the solution becomes too thick, it can be diluted with warm water. Since the composition of the soap can vary, the amount may also vary.

Alternatives to soap

Soaps are not the only effective means of combating aphids. There are also alternatives to this. For example:

  • Use deterrent plants like savory, lavender, roses, and nasturtium
  • rinsing the leaves
  • Spray with fern leaf infusion
  • Nettle broth
  • Introduction of natural predators such as ladybugs, gall midges and lacewings
  • garlic solution
  • Neem solution
  • manual or mechanical removal, for example by scraping with the back of a knife
  • Oregano infusion
  • Add oil to the soapy water (one tablespoon per liter)
  • Spirit in diluted form
  • Enrich spray solution against lice with alcohol
  • Spray made from rhubarb leaves
  • detergent solution
  • Broth from ivy leaves or chestnuts (saponins)

frequently asked Questions

How harmful are plant lice?

In otherwise healthy plants, the aphids cause comparatively little damage. This also applies to natural gardens in which beneficial insects can be found.

Do infected parts of the plant have to be removed?

If these are already severely damaged, careful cutting makes sense. Because the damage caused by lice can also increase the risk of invading pathogens. Disposal with household waste or destruction of the waste is recommended. Under no circumstances should this land on the compost, as the pests would only spread again from here.

How should deterrent plants be planted?

It is best to spread them generously throughout the garden. As a result, the dispelling odors ensure that the surrounding plants are protected.

Category:

Garden maintenance