Aphids feed on the juice of leaves and stems, which leads to their deformation, slow growth and even death. To save flowers, it is important to choose the right method of fighting these insects.
Aphids usually attack weakened plants that grow in unsuitable conditions: with a lack of light, moisture or nutrients.
These insects form colonies, suck the juice out of the plant, and as a result the leaves begin to turn yellow, curl up, and a sticky sweetish liquid appears on the stems - honeydew. It is important to regularly inspect the plants, especially the underside of the leaves, as this is where the aphids hide.
If the aphid colony has just appeared, you can remove the insects manually. To do this, use a damp cloth or a soft sponge, wiping the leaves and stems.
An excellent solution would be to use natural enemies of aphids - lacewings, ladybugs or parasitic wasps.
These beneficial insects effectively destroy pests. You can also plant repellents near flowers, such as garlic, lavender or calendula - their smell is unpleasant for aphids.
For lovers of eco-friendly methods, there are several proven recipes. The most popular is a soap solution: a tablespoon of liquid soap per liter of water. This solution is sprayed on the affected parts of the plants.
Another method is garlic infusion. Crush 5-6 cloves, pour a liter of water and leave for a day, then treat the flowers. This method is safe for plants, but repels aphids.
If the aphids have spread widely, chemicals will come to the rescue. Modern insecticides, such as "Aktara" or "Fitoverm", destroy pests quickly and effectively.
It is important to strictly follow the instructions so as not to harm the plants and the environment. For prevention, treatment can be carried out once every few weeks. However, avoid using chemicals indoors or during the flowering period so as not to harm pollinators.
Aphids are a cunning enemy, but there are many ways to combat them. It is important to regularly inspect plants, provide them with comfortable conditions, and use the right methods of control.