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How to Get Rid of Aphids in a Greenhouse
How to Get Rid of Aphids in a Greenhouse. Aphids are a pesky pest for any gardener. Aphids can rapidly take over a greenhouse because they are able to reproduce so quickly, making it hard to get rid of an infestation. Aphids suck the sap out of plants, which results in growth problems and curling leaves. Although there are about 30 different...
Aphids are a pesky pest for any gardener. Aphids can rapidly take over a greenhouse because they are able to reproduce so quickly, making it hard to get rid of an infestation. Aphids suck the sap out of plants, which results in growth problems and curling leaves. Although there are about 30 different species of aphids that you may find in your greenhouse, the melon aphid and green peach aphid are the most common. You can get rid of your aphid infestation naturally or with a homemade spray.
Things You'll Need
Spray bottle
Vegetable oil
Dish soap
Predator insect (ladybug or green lacewings)
Homemade Spray
Identify where the aphids are a problem. Inspect any areas of new growth on your plant as well as the underside of mature leaves and the base of buds. Look for small, white areas on the plants as a sign of aphids. This is caused during their molting process.
Mix 1 cup vegetable oil, 1 1/2 cup of water and 2 tsp. of dish soap in a spray bottle; shake well.
Move the plants you plan to treat out of the sunlight. The oil in the spray mix may intensify the sunlight and cause the plants to burn.
Spray the areas of the plant where you found aphids or signs of aphids.
Check the plants every couple of days, spraying them until you don't see any more aphids.
Natural Predator
Buy the appropriate number of predator bugs. Both ladybugs and green lacewings will help control an aphid infestation. The amount you need to buy will depend on the area you want to cover. About 1,500 ladybugs will cover a 500-square-foot area. You need about 1,000 green lacewings in a small greenhouse. You can buy predator bug online or from your local nursery.
Release the bugs into your greenhouse. The ladybug will feed directly on the aphids and can eat as many as 5,000 aphids in its lifetime. The green lacewing feeds on pollen, but its larvae will prey on the aphids.
Release the predator bugs two to three times, about a week apart, to make sure you take care of the aphid infestation.
Add plants such as mint, dill, clover and dandelions to your greenhouse garden. These plants attract the ladybugs naturally.
Tips & Warnings
Keep weeds out of your greenhouse, as aphids are attracted to them.
Check any new plants you bring in for signs of aphids in order to prevent a new infestation.
