This morning, I discovered that my butterfly weed (asclepias) is completely overrun by aphids. I'm considering spraying a neem oil solution this evening. Will that take care of the aphids without harming the pollinators and the other perennials nearby? I'm also open to any other suggestions you might have. I thought about pruning, but it looks like the aphids have made their way all the way down to the mulch.
3 Answers
Honestly, neem oil is mainly just a deterrent and might not fully tackle a big infestation. Here’s a more effective strategy:
1. Start by manually cleaning the plants. Wear some disposable gloves or use paper towels to wipe and crush the aphids on the leaves and stems.
2. Then, use a high-pressure hose to blast them off. Plants can handle that pressure better than insects!
3. Repeat this process every day or two for a week.
4. Finally, apply the neem oil and keep an eye on your plants. If the aphids return, just go back to step 1.
If you're looking for a more eco-friendly approach, I suggest getting some ladybugs. You can usually find them at farming stores, and they love munching on aphids! We buy them in bulk, like 500 at a time, and they're not too pricey. It’s a natural way to get the aphid problem under control and keep your garden healthy!
I'd actually advise against using neem oil altogether. It has a bad reputation and is banned in several places. Plus, aphids play a role in the ecosystem, supporting other beneficial insects. If you really need to remove them, just crush the little guys with your fingers. Go natural and let other insects balance things out!
That sounds like a solid plan! Just make sure your plants can handle the pressure from the hose.