How to Use Vinegar Spray to Get Rid of Aphids Naturally?

Pests are undoubtedly a major nuisance to gardeners, and aphids are the most troublesome. They are problematic for plants, especially lettuce, and are known as plant lice, greenflies, or garden lice. Aphids may go undetected for long periods of time in the garden, but if you see them early, it is advisable to get rid of them as soon as possible. These critters are managed by the ants, who help them move around.

There are several ways to save your plants from these critters, and one of the most effective methods is to use vinegar. So, here’s everything you need to know about using vinegar to get rid of aphids in your garden.

What Are Aphids?

Aphids are soft-bodied, small insects that feed on the sap of plants, which makes them more susceptible to damage and disease. They are found worldwide and pose a great risk to farming and gardening. Aphids are about 1/16 to 1/8 inch long and come in a variety of colors, such as - black, red, yellow, green, gray, and brown. They can reproduce rapidly, both sexually and asexually, which means they don’t need a mate to multiply. This reproduction process is known as parthenogenesis.

The female can produce over 100 offspring in her lifetime without reproduction. They reproduce through mating in the fall, which allows them to lay eggs in your garden during winter and hatch early in the spring.

Why Use Vinegar to Get Rid of Aphids?

Vinegar is a household staple that can help you fight off the aphids. The acidic property dehydrates these critters and kills them. Also, vinegar is safe and is considered an eco-friendly alternative to synthetic pesticides, which helps preserve the garden’s ecosystem.

One of the biggest benefits of vinegar is its versatility. It’s safe and natural - which makes it best for edible plants. So, if you have a garden full of vegetables or fruit trees, vinegar is your best choice. Hence, you don’t have to worry about harmful pesticide residue that may affect your produce and ensure a healthy harvest.

When you spray the vinegar solution on the aphids, it’ll burn and suffocate them, killing them instantly. Also, as vinegar cannot travel through the plants, you’ll have to find the affected region and spray on them. However, ensure to dilute the vinegar before using it in the garden. This is because acetic acid is not as harmful as chemical pesticides but is corrosive in nature, which removes the top layer of leaves and leads to sunscald.

How to Make Vinegar Spray to Kill Aphids?

To prepare a spray solution, you’ll need the following -

• Water

• Spray bottle

• White vinegar

• Mild dish soap

Once you have the ingredients ready, you can prepare the solution by following the steps mentioned below -

• Add 1 cup of white vinegar

• Pour in 3 cups of water

• Add 2-3 drops of mild dish soap

Once it’s ready, shake gently to mix before using.

How to Use Vinegar to Kill Aphids?

Here’s how you can use a vinegar spray solution to get rid of aphids in your garden -

• Spray the mixture directly onto the affected areas with visible aphids.

• Apply thoroughly to ensure all the parts of the plant are covered.

• Ensure to spray under the leaves, as aphids tend to hide there as well.

• If you see the aphids returning, reapply the solution weekly or as needed until they’re gone.

• Once you see there are no aphids left, stop spraying to prevent overuse.

What Are Other Ways to Get Rid of Aphids?

There are several other natural ways to get rid of aphids, as mentioned below -

Physical Removal

You can use a strong blast of water to wash off the aphids. Also, using a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol works best. Though it is time-consuming, it helps keep these tiny pests under control.

Invite Aphid Predators

Ladybugs, lacewings, and parasitic wasps are enemies of aphids. You can draw them into your garden by planting their favorite flowers, such as marigolds, dill, or yarrow.

Use Essential Oils

Essential oils like peppermint act as natural deterrents and are useful in keeping aphids away. Add a few drops to a water-filled spray bottle and mist all over your plants.

Spring Cinnamon

Cinnamon controls ants, as they actually move aphids onto the plants. So, sprinkle some cinnamon or garlic powder around the base of your plants to deter ants, which indirectly reduces aphid spread.

Grow Healthy Plants

Ensure to plant healthy trees, as they are less affected by pests. Use natural fertilizers, such as kelp or seaweed-based products, which boost plant immunity and make them more aphid-resistant.

What Should You Know About DIY Sprays in the Garden?

Here are a few things you must know before using DIY solutions for aphids in the garden -

• Always test your spray out on a small section of the plant. This gives an idea of whether the solution is suitable for plants.

• Avoid spraying during the day; the direct sunlight can fry your garden plants - even if the spray is completely harmless.

• Also, there’s no need to buy a new spray bottle, as you can reuse any bottle kept at home.

What Eats Aphids?

Here are some animals and bugs that’ll keep your garden safe from aphids by controlling their population -

• Ladybugs - They are known as the best aphid predators and can be attracted by growing yarrow, tansy, angelica, etc.

• Lacewings - Plant cosmos, oregano, coreopsis, etc., to attract these bugs, as the larvae can eat hundreds of aphids in their lifetime.

• Parasitic Wasps - The larvae of the parasitic wasps feed on the aphids and will help control the population. They are mostly attracted by growing dill, cilantro, etc.

• Soldier Beetles - Grow marigolds and zinnias to bring these beetles to your garden, as adults and nymphs both love feeding on the aphids.

Conclusion

Though aphids are tiny creatures with almost non-existent bodies, they can cause havoc in the garden, especially if you have lettuce planted. So, they need to be eliminated, and the best way is to use vinegar sprays. It kills the aphids and ensures your plant remains safe, though there are certain precautions you must follow.