Whatever size garden you have indoors or outdoors, you must have seen your plants infested with Aphids. Aphids are also known as plant lice, or greenflies, which are small and pear-shaped insects.
They are usually green or black in color but can vary from white, brown, yellow shades. These tiny insects are soft-bodied and about ¼-inch long or less than that in size.
They tend to cluster densely on bases of stems, undersides of leaves, on flower buds, fruits, etc. Aphids feed on both indoor and outdoor plants.
They multiply quickly so you should inspect your houseplants occasionally, to control the aphids before they get out of control.
Once ingested, it affects the hormonal system of the insect, causing it to forget to eat and stop moulting, mating, and laying eggs.
There are many ways to control aphids without using dangerous chemicals in your garden. Aphids have several natural enemies, including other insects, insect larvae, and birds; and they move rather slowly, making them easy to remove by hand or target with sprays.
So, the question is does neem oil kill aphids?
Yes, it is a very effective method to control the infestation of aphids. With repeated efforts, you can completely control them.
Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, it controls a wide variety of common garden insect insects and pests such as aphids, and other insects, including mealybugs, cabbage worms, beetles, leafminers, ants and various types of caterpillars, as well as fungal diseases.
Neem oil is an excellent home remedy for aphids on roses and it’s a natural pesticide that gets rid of spider mites, scale, and other garden pests, as well.
It can also be used as a dormant spray to control overwintering eggs of various insect pests. You have to be patient, and persistent to get the desired results.
How to Use Neem Oil to Get Rid of Aphids
The main organic compounds in neem oil act as a repellent for aphids. However, it may repel beneficial insects, so use caution when and where they are present.
Follow package instructions for diluting the oil in water or use a ready-to-use neem oil spray, and spray the affected areas. Neem oil is also good for controlling different types of fungus.
Neem oil as a pesticide has steadily increased in usage and popularity over the past few years because it is 100% natural and non-toxic to humans and pets. It is inexpensive and offers a long-term solution to pest problems.
Since the oil is completely environmentally-friendly and easily broken down, more and more people are turning to neem oil as a biopesticide for their home and garden.
Neem oil is also powerfully aromatic and gives off an odor that insects do not like, protecting plants by making them unappealing.
Neem Oil Spray for Aphids
Safer 5180-6 Neem Oil Ready-to-Use Brand Fungicide, 1 Pack
This ready-to-use spray gets its fungal- and insect-fighting power from neem oil, an extract of the neem plant. Most importantly, this potent mixture kills insects at all life stages, including eggs, larvae, and adult insects. The 32 oz bottle features a non-clogging, easy-to-use sprayer head for instant action against insects, mites, and fungus issues.
Get your neem solution and spray to get rid of aphids – here!
DIY Neem Oil Pesticide for Aphids and Insects
Neem oil is a cost-effective solution to pests and insects. You can buy neem oil sprays and use them as pesticide, but if you’d like to make your own, it’s a very simple process.
Mix 1 tsp of neem oil and 1/2 tsp of liquid dish soap to 1 quart of water, or 4 tsp of neem oil and 2 tsp of liquid dish soap to 1 gallon of water.
Since neem oil does not readily mix with water, you’ll need to use an emulsifier like a mild liquid soap.
Shake well. (Neem oil mixes easier with warm water.) Spray the diluted solution generously on all leaf surfaces and plants to kill aphids and other pests.
Whether it’s being used for a natural pesticide, or a home remedy, the oil of the neem tree can be used in many aspects of our lives.