Have you ever gone out to your garden and found plants covered with aphids?
As you can see, these tiny bugs and insects blend in so well with leaves and wreak havoc on your crops and cause damage and disease. So, what are the best plants that repel aphids?
In this Lawn Advisors article, we’ll talk about what aphids are, what causes aphid infestations, and the best ways to keep them away from your garden.
Most importantly, you’ll find a list of the most common and best plants that repel aphids, so they will help you control them organically and safely.
What are Aphids?
Common garden pests called aphids suck the sap of plants and can be one of the most devastating pests in the garden. They can impede the formation of new shoots and cause leaves to curl and turn yellow. Whole plants may wilt if their root systems are attacked.
They sometimes cause floral and fruit distortion, resulting in gall formation. They also release a sticky fluid called honeydew, which attracts other insects (like ants and wasps) and can grow sooty mold. Sooty mold not only looks bad, but it hinders photosynthesis.
What Causes an Aphid Infestation?
Aphids are usually attracted to plants because of their damage and weakness. Aphid attacks can happen to plants that are afflicted with root rot, drought, or other insect attacks. The easiest way to avoid an aphid infestation is to ensure that plants receive the proper amount of water, sunlight, and nutrients.
Following the grower’s instructions is the perfect start for repelling aphids. It is important to take care of any damage as soon as it is noticed because a sick plant can attract aphids quickly.
How to Keep Garden Free from Aphids?
Fortunately, there are many safe and organic ways to control them without using toxic chemicals:
– By Hand
– Hose Them
– Good Old Soap and Water
– Grow Aphid-Repelling Plants
– Essential Oils
– Work the DENZ Magic
– Anti-Bug Birds
– Shoo Away the Ants
– Sticky Traps
– Banana Peels
Watch this video below to learn some causes and methods to get rid of aphids in your lawn.
How Plants Repel Aphids?
Plants repel aphids by:
– Disguising the host plant’s scent.
– Attracting insect predators.
– Altering the host plant’s biology to make it less inviting to aphids.
– Disrupting the behavior of the aphids.
Plants that Repel Aphids
Take a look below at 13 plants that repel aphids so that they help you control aphids naturally in your garden:
1. Garlic
The pungent scent of garlic deters aphids from visiting your garden and other plants by interfering with their ability to smell. It can also be combined and mixed with water and a little soap and sprayed directly on your plants to combat aphid issues.
2. Onion
Onion is one of the best intercrop plants to keep these pests away. The smell of the onion will help in aphid control and prevent them from damaging the plants.
3. Basil
Your plants will be free of aphids thanks to basil’s potent aroma, which disrupts the olfactory receptors in aphids and has a repelling effect. It also acts as a deterrent for some aphid species and will prevent them from feeding
4. Catnip
Catnip can attract cats, but it can also fool insects like aphids due to its scent. Additionally, they may attract helpful insects that can help in controlling heavy aphid infestations.
5. Savory
Using savory can deter black aphids while attracting beneficial insects like butterflies and bees. It should be grown close to vegetables to avoid aphid infestation.
6. Rue
Rue is a great companion plant for other vegetables or herbs in your garden because of its strong scent and bitter leaves, which can deter insects.
7. Rye
The cereal plant rye (Secale cereale) is not usually considered as a companion plant. However, the study indicates that when planted with other plants, rye decreased aphids’ ability to find hosts. As a result, it may be able to deter a variety of pests, including roaches, mealybugs, spider mites, and aphids.
8. Marigold
Marigold’s powerful scent can make it difficult for aphids to demolish it. Additionally, it masks the scent of certain plants and protects them from insects. Marigolds also help against nematodes.
9. Chives
The scent of chives naturally deters aphids and Japanese beetles. Harvest it on time for the best flavor.
10. Neem
Aphids do not like to hover near neem due to its strong scent; they never do. You can grow it in pots and crush its leaves to ward off bugs. In chilly climates, this miracle tree can be cultivated as an annual because of its incredible ability to ward off all types of pests and insects.
11. Eucalyptus
Only if you regularly crush the leaves of eucalyptus to release the oil will it help you get rid of aphids. The scent will ensure these pests stay away from and around the plant.
12. Rosemary
Aphids and other pests can be repelled by rosemary, another herb with a powerful aroma. It might not be able to effectively protect itself against these bothersome pests, though, if it is weak.
13. Mint
The fragrant herb mint attracts beneficial bugs that feed on aphids. Grow it in a yard corner where it will attract the pest’s complete attention.
Plants that Repel Aphids FAQ
To Wrap Up
Keep plant lice well at bay if you want your garden and vegetable patch to thrive. This detailed list of the most common plants that repel aphids will help you control them organically and safely, without resorting to toxic chemicals.
Do you have a problem with the aphids in your garden? Tell Lawn Advisors your problem and what plants that repel aphids you used in the comments box below!
Happy Gardening!
