Aphids are tiny soft-bodied insects that suck sap from a wide variety of different plants to feed. These predatory bugs reproduce rapidly, and they are capable of causing extensive damage to plants. Most gardeners consider dealing with predatory insects to be the least favorite of all tasks. When dealing with problems such as aphids, you can
visit Cypress Creek Landscape Supply. In addition to our two-acre Garden Oasis, we have a store with earth-friendly pest control solutions and all of the supplies and equipment needed for gardening and landscaping.
One thing that makes dealing with aphids challenging is that they can be difficult to see. They can spread incurable viruses among plants, making it important to be alert to their presence and control aphids in your garden. Plants that are infested with aphids can be recognized from the following symptoms:
Spider mites, a common type of aphid, are tinier than the head of a pin. They are considered to be in the spider family because they have eight legs, but they are similar to ticks. There are many types of spider mites, and they come in various colors, including brown, red, yellow, and green. The most common are the red spider mite and the two-spotted spider mite.
There are various ways to deal with the problem of aphids in your garden, and the following are some of the ways to get rid of them naturally.
Before an infestation of aphids has fully developed in your garden, early in the season spray them off of plants using a garden hose and a strong stream of water. This approach is not necessarily ideal for delicate plants, but it is a good plan among plants that can handle high-pressure application of water.
Pull on some garden gloves and knock the aphids off of leaves, stems, flower buds, and anywhere else you might see them. Knock them into a bucket containing soapy water; this will kill them. You can also prune or cut off the areas affected and drop the cutting into the soapy water.
There are various types of sprays that you can create at home and use them to get rid of aphids. Follow the directions found in various gardening resources for the following types of sprays:
Aphids have enemies that will help you keep control of them in your garden. Natural predators that help with aphid control include green lacewings, birds, and ladybugs.
If you choose to grow plants that repel aphids, that “trap” aphids, or that attract insects that are predatory to aphids, you can get a head start on aphid control.
If you visit our Tampa FL store or go online and check out our selection of gardening supplies, you can avoid having to create do-it-yourself types of aphid control. In addition to pest control, visit us for bulk supplies such as gravel, mulch, and topsoil. We also have a beautiful selection of plants, and our experts can help you choose the best plants for your garden and landscape.
Visit us at 12734 N. Florida Ave. or give us a call at (813) 933-7944 today.
