Recognizing aphid infestation in good time - tips on the symptoms
The earlier you tackle the control of aphids, the better the chances of survival for affected balcony plants. The following symptoms indicate the pest infestation:
- Curled leaf margins
- Sticky coating on the undersides of the leaves
- Stunted flowers, shoots and leaves
- Yellow spots on the foliage
also read
- Aphids on strawberries on the balcony - what to do
- Pests on balcony plants - tips on symptoms and control
- This is how balcony plants hibernate safely - tips & tricks
Fight aphids successfully with home remedies - this is how it works
If you have discovered aphids, the infested balcony plants are first of all put into quarantine. If the insects smell hardship, a winged generation develops in no time at all and migrates to neighboring plants. In isolation, target the plant lice with the following home remedies:
- Rinse off aphids with as strong a jet of water as possible - even overhead
- Spray from 1 liter of water and 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure soft soap plus 1 tablespoon of alcohol
- Alternatively, buy ready-to-use soap from Neudosan and spray on repeatedly
You can use the fresh leaves of non-blooming nettle plants to make a powerful remedy for aphids. To do this, pour 1 liter of boiling water over 100 grams of nettle leaves and let the brew steep for 24 hours. Then strain the broth and dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10. Spray the entire plant dripping wet every 2 to 3 days, including the undersides of the leaves.
Aphid-infested balcony plants do not tolerate spray mist - what to do?
Fighting aphids with water-based sprays is counterproductive if fungal diseases are already rampant on the balcony, such as mildew. Damp leaves and shoots attract all kinds of fungal spores, so a dry control method comes into focus. A powder syringe or hand brush is required to apply the following agents:
- Algae lime (works against aphids and fungal diseases at the same time)
- Rock flour
- Pure wood ash
Ideally, pollinate the aphid-infested balcony plants in the early morning when the leaves are damp with dew drops.
Tips
Before wintering in basement, cellar, please examine your balcony plants with a magnifying glass for aphids and their eggs. In late summer, the last females produce numerous eggs, which they hide well on the undersides of the leaves or in the leaf axils.
