Lice are a horror for every hobby gardener and a danger for every plant. Numerous pesticides are available in specialist shops. If you want to fight aphids without chemicals, you can use normal milk.

In a nutshell

  • Aphids are one of the most common garden pests
  • occur in colonies and damage useful and ornamental plants
  • Activity from spring to autumn
  • Milk and other home remedies help to fight harmful insects without chemicals
  • Milk-water mixture easy to make and easy to use

Aphid (Aphidoidea)

It only grows to a size of one or two millimeters, but the damage that the small insect causes in the garden is enormous. In addition to snails, aphids are considered to be the most common plant pests. More than 600 aphid species can be found in Central Europe. They are usually colored black, brown, red or green. The insects sit tightly packed in groups on the shoots of the plants.

Commonly infested plants

Roses are particularly prone to being infested with aphids.
  • rose
  • hibiscus
  • angel trumpet
  • snowball
  • euonymus
  • Bean
  • Mirabelle
  • honeysuckle
  • peasant jasmine

Signs of aphid infestation

  • visible aphid colonies on the undersides of the leaves
  • poor growth
  • dry or curled leaves
  • leaves fall off
  • no flowering
  • little fruits

Notice: Increased occurrence of ants in the garden can indicate an aphid infestation. Ants love the honeydew that the lice excrete after eating the fresh greens.

Combat aphids with milk

manual

For an effective effect, mix 0.5 liters of milk with 1 liter of water.
  1. In preparation, remove the aphid colonies from the plant with a soft brush. Be careful not to damage the plant parts.
  2. Mix half a liter of milk with a liter of water.
  3. Pour the mixture into a squeeze bottle.
  4. Thoroughly spray the aphid infested plant with this milk and water mixture. Also wet the undersides of the leaves.
  5. Repeat the procedure every two days until no more aphids are seen.

Notice: The effect of the spray mixture can be significantly increased by adding a tablespoon of oil.

time of application

Apply the milk splash mixture in the mornings on dry days. This ensures that the affected plants can still dry well after treatment.

Tip: We recommend spraying vulnerable plants like roses with the mixture every two weeks as a preventive measure. This can significantly reduce the likelihood of aphid infestation.

This is how milk works against aphids

Cow's milk contains lecithin. Lecithin is an active ingredient that wraps itself around the aphid when the liquid is sprayed on and prevents the supply of oxygen. As a result, the pest dies.

Other possible uses

When used correctly, the milk-water mixture can also significantly reduce the risk of powdery mildew (here on gooseberries).

By the way, you can safely use the milk mixture to combat pests on garden plants. It is almost always available and much cheaper than commercial insecticides. The spray mixture also protects against fungal diseases such as mildew. Simply prepare the mixture according to the instructions and use it to treat roses and plants susceptible to powdery mildew.

Notice: Create a good habitat for beneficial insects in your garden. Where lacewings and hoverflies thrive, aphids don't stand a chance. The fly larvae suck out the lice, leaving only the shells on the plants.

frequently asked Questions

How can you prevent aphid infestation?

Healthy, strong plants can withstand an aphid infestation better than sick, weakened specimens. Ensure good site conditions and do not fertilize the plants too much. An excess of nitrogen in the soil weakens plant growth. We recommend mixed cultures with lavender, sage, rosemary and thyme. These herbs deter aphids and other pests.

Why should home remedies be preferred for pest control?

Household remedies such as milk water or plant broths do not contain any chemical ingredients and have no harmful effect on the environment. Those who rely on natural means of pest control make an important contribution to the preservation of biodiversity. You should avoid chemicals, especially with crops that are used as food.

Can UHT milk also be used to control aphids?

You can use both fresh milk and UHT milk to control aphids. Use whatever type of milk you have on hand. It is crucial to react as quickly as possible to a visible aphid infestation.

Category:

Garden pests