Aphids are a common pest of many types of crops and ornamental plants. They are commonly found on a wide range of plants, including flowers, fruits, vegetables, and woody shrubs.

What are Aphids?

Aphids are small, pear-shaped insects that range in size from 1-10 millimeters. They have a soft body, usually green, yellow, black, or brown in color, and can have either wings or be wingless. Aphids have long, slender mouthparts that they use to pierce plant tissue and suck out the sap. They have two tube-like structures called cornicles on their hind end that emit a waxy, protective substance. Some species of aphids also have a characteristic humpback appearance. 

It is usually possible to detect aphid colonies with the naked eye, given their sheer numbers.

How Much Damage Do Aphids Do?

Aphids can cause significant damage to plants by feeding on their sap. This feeding can lead to yellowing, curling, and distortion of leaves, stunted plant growth, and reduced yield.

Aphids also excrete a sticky, sugary substance called honeydew, which can attract ants and provide a substrate for the growth of sooty mold. This mold can reduce the plant's ability to photosynthesize, leading to further stress and damage.

In addition, some species of aphids are known to act as vectors for plant diseases, spreading viruses and other pathogens as they feed.

6 Methods to Control and Get Rid of Aphids

1 - Get Rid of Aphids by Physical Removal

Physical removal of aphids is a simple, low-risk method of controlling infestations. Here are a few ways to remove aphids physically:

• Blast them off with a strong stream of water from a garden hose.
• Pick them off by hand and drop them in a bucket of soapy water.
• Use sticky tape or a yellow sticky trap to capture flying aphids.
• Use a soft brush to gently remove aphids from leaves and stems.
• Prune infested parts of the plant and dispose of them.

It's important to check your plants regularly for signs of aphid infestation and to remove them promptly to prevent populations from becoming established and causing more damage.

2 - Get Rid of Aphids with Soap and Water Spray

A soap and water spray is a natural and effective method of controlling aphids on plants. Here's how to make the spray:

• Mix 5 tablespoons of dish soap with 4 cups of water in a spray bottle.
• Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
• Spray the mixture directly onto the infested leaves and stems, covering the aphids completely.
• Repeat the treatment once a week until the infestation is under control.

The soap will disrupt the aphid's cell membranes, causing them to dehydrate and die. It's important to use mild soap and to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous part of the plant before treating the entire plant to make sure it doesn't cause damage.

3 - Get Rid of Aphids with Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural, plant-based insecticide that can be used to control aphids on plants. Here's how to use it:

• Mix 2-3 teaspoons of neem oil with 1 cup of water in a spray bottle.
• Add a few drops of dish soap to help the mixture adhere to the plant.
• Shake the bottle well to mix the ingredients.
• Spray the mixture directly onto the infested leaves and stems, covering the aphids completely.
• Repeat the treatment every 7-10 days until the infestation is under control.

Neem oil interferes with the aphid's ability to feed and reproduce, leading to population decline. It's important to follow the label instructions and to test the spray on a small, inconspicuous part of the plant before treating the entire plant to make sure it doesn't cause damage.

4 - Get Rid of Aphids with Natural Predators

Encouraging natural predators is an effective and environmentally friendly way to control aphid populations on plants. Here are a few natural predators that feed on aphids:

• Ladybugs: Ladybugs are voracious predators of aphids, feeding on large numbers of these insects and helping to keep populations in check.
• Lacewings: Lacewings are another beneficial insect that feeds on aphids and other soft-bodied pests.
• Damsel bugs: Damsel bugs feed on many garden pests, including aphids, leafhoppers, moth eggs, and small caterpillars
• Hoverflies: They feed on nectar and pollen as adults, and their larvae feed on aphids and other small insects.
• Parasitic wasps: Tiny parasitic wasps lay their eggs on aphids, killing them and reducing populations over time.

To encourage these predators to take up residence in your garden, provide a diverse range of flowering plants that will supply nectar and pollen for food. Avoid using insecticides, as these can harm beneficial insects and disrupt the balance of the ecosystem.