Aphids being the common culprits in the garden or the indoor plants have now taken a tight hold on your petunias and you are furious! We understand that! Petunias are such pretty flowers with leaves that have a waxy to sticky coating which become a bonus for the aphids to stay longer on the plants after attacking them. Do you know How to get rid of Aphids on Petunias? If yes, then great.
It is not difficult to get rid of aphids on petunias. You can try to make use of soap water solution, use water jet with a high-speed setting, neem oil, and many more other things you can do to get rid of aphids on petunias.
Aphids look like tiny insects and usually attack the tender parts of the plants like new growths, soft leaves, etc. In this article, we will inform you of the aphids and how to get rid of them effectively with a sure result! So let’s move on to the target.
What are aphids?
Aphids are very small-sized pests that are mostly seen grouped beneath the leaf’s surface and in areas of various colors.
They are soft-bodied and can be seen when they are in clusters. The aphids suck the sap from the plant body making them weak and lifeless.
What does an aphid’s attack look like?
The aphids need to be identified properly so you can move the plant to the spot with good light to clearly visualize the parts and undersurface of leaves.
The aphids also form sooty mold on the leaves and the stem areas.
The plant mainly shows stunted growth, curled leaves, and discoloration when aphids attack the petunias.
“If a tree dies, Plant another in its place”
– By Carolus Linnacus
Why are aphids on petunias?
Aphids usually get super active during the season of glowering which means the spring season.
So there are chances the soft flowers get prone to be attacked by the aphids in springtime.
Other than this if the petunias are under some kind of environmental stress then the aphids will easily attack the plant.
How to get rid of Aphids on Petunias?
We know you want some amazing ways that are workable and not harmful to the pretty petunias, so go through these easy yet effective methods to remove the aphids from petunias:
1. Using soap solution
Yes, you read it right! The dishwashing soap will help you out. You need to make a solution out of liquid dish wash soap by mixing it with water, pouring it into the spray bottle, and then spraying it all over the petunia plants.
The soap solution will irritate the aphids and make them rush far away to die.
2. Using the companion planting method
Companion planting can easily cover petunias in so many ways. You can plant garlic, chives, and other herbs with the petunias that will keep the aphids at bay. The aphids hate the strong smell of herbs which help in repelling the aphids from the targeted plant.
You can also plant those plants like nasturtiums which aphids would prefer to munch on more as compared to the petunia plants.
3. Using neem oil
Neem oil is an organic way of getting rid of aphids. You can use neem oil as a natural pesticide that won’t harm the plants or the nearby ones. You need to blend the neem oil with dish soap and little water. Spraying it all over the aphids and the surfaces having them.
The neem oil will help in killing the aphids. You will need to spray one to two times a week to completely eradicate them.
4. Using water jet
Aphids don’t have wings so they cannot fly away and escape that quickly. The aphids can be sprayed with a water jet through a hose on the leaves and flowers.
It is important that you don’t harm the plant parts and be focused on where you will spray. Make sure that the leaves don’t stay wet for long and warm simultaneously as it can lead to infections and fungal growth too.
5. Using beneficial insects and bugs
Insects and bugs like wasps, lacewings, and some beneficial beetles eat aphids. These are beneficial insects as they help in preventing or removing aphids from plants.
If you are up to saving the petunias for the long term you can plant dill, fennel, dandelions, etc plants near the petunia that attract these insects and protect petunias from aphids.
Wrapping up the context
It is very important to keep the petunias away from the aphids as they are really sensitive to the aphids’ attacks and start to show some dull characteristics. Petunias have delicate soft flowers that are loved by aphids. We have surfaced all the best possible tips to get rid of aphids on petunias and information in between that you need to know. We hope you find this article useful.
Happy protecting! Happy planting!
FAQs
1. What kills aphids instantly?
The alcohol solution can kill the aphids instantly because chemical ways are the quick ways indeed but can be harmful to the plants.
2. How do I make a natural aphid spray?
Take a spray bottle, add in it a few tablespoons of insecticidal soap, and a little water. Mix them well and use them as a natural pesticide to kill the aphids. Similarly, you can make neem oil spray as well and use it to kill aphids.
Howdy, I am Becky, I love dedicating my time to Gardening Hood to help you learn about experiences that I faced by Winning or Losing strategies applied in my Gardening Experience. I am usually trying new strategies to increase the success of new plants in the Garden, I try my best to publish those on Gardening Hood as soon as possible.
