physical

• prune off affected areas that the aphids are on and drop into a bucket of soapy water.

sprays

• lukewarm water with 2% dish detergent
• essential oils mix:
  • equal parts: thyme, peppermint, clove, and rosemary (4-5 drops)
  • mix with water in a small spray bottle
• dilute rubbing alcohol and spray on. Or dab undiluted directly onto affected areas if only a small area. Hand sanitiser can be substituted.
• blend, strain and spray:
  • 2 cloves garlic
  • 1 small onion (finely chopped)
  • 1 tablespoon of dish-washing detergent
  • 2 cups of water
• Garlic Chilli Spray:
  • 8-10 chillies finely sliced
  • 4 cloves garlic crushed and cut roughly
  • 1 Tablespoon soap flakes
  • 1 Litre boiling water
    • Combine in a glass jar and set aside for 24 hours. Strain and pour into a spray bottle. Use within 2 weeks
• Hot sauce spray:
  • 2 tsp Tabasco or other hot sauce
  • 2 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp Liqdish detergent
  • 2 cups water

purchased sprays

• eco-oil
• neem oil

useful plants / animals

• attract ladybird beetles to the garden
• plant plants from the onion family nearby. Potted plants are sufficient. e.g. chives

notes

• with sprays, do not add more detergent than specified as it can damage plants. Don't apply more often than approx. 3 days. If there are signs that the plants are damaged after a day, rinse them and discontinue use. Signs to look for: yellow or brown spots on the leaves, burned tips or leaf scorch.
• make sure to spray the insects all over, also the undersides of the leaves they are on.
• apply sprays early in the morning or late afternoon when it is cool and plants won't be exposed to direct sunlight. The effectiveness of the sprays depends on them drying out as slowly as possible.
• wait for new growth to harden off before treating.
• never spray fruit trees while in bloom.
• do not apply to young transplants or to plants under stress from heat or water.
• if your water is hard, use filtered or bottled water instead.
• if you notice many ants nearby, they are most likely protecting the aphids. Draw them away with small containers of honey mixed with water at the base of the plants.
• Trees and herbaceous plants with known sensitivities to insecticidal soaps include horse chestnut, mountain ash, Japanese maple, sweet gum, jade plant, lantana, gardenia, bleeding heart, crops of thorns, and certain cultivars of azalea, poinsettia, begonia, impatiens, fuchsia, geranium, ferns, Easter lilies, palms and some succulents.
• Aphids are particularly attracted to Zinnias, dahlias, cosmos, and asters. Plant these in their own section or not at all.
• DO NOT USE vinegar is it is a herbicide.