Black tea against aphids: how to use

Once lice have established themselves, the plague is difficult to get rid of. Since the chemical club is not for everyone, home remedies such as black tea are often used against aphids.

Aphids (Aphidoidea)

So far, around 5,000 aphid species are known worldwide. About 800 species live in Central Europe. Since all aphids feed on plant sap, it does not matter what color the plant lice are in terms of control. Far more important is that the insects, individual specimens have established themselves once and multiply explosively. It is therefore imperative to contain the infestation before colonies form.

Although the arthropods are often difficult to spot, they leave a sticky layer on leaves, shoots, etc. when excreted. This is the so-called. Honeydew that other insects like to eat. Therefore, there are unmistakable signs of an infestation with the plant lice:

• ascending and descending ants
• Approach from Wasps and or waspssimilar insects (appearance)

Black tea as a home remedy

The effects of black tea on plant lice are described in different ways. On the one hand, the essential oils contained are said to have a deterrent effect on the lice, on the other hand, it is the tannins of the tea that lead to the death of the plant lice. However, you do not have to worry about the infected plants, as the tea will not harm them. You can therefore also use it on sensitive plants.

preparation

It is up to you which type of black tea (Assam, Darjeeling etc.) you use. You can also use old or expired tea that has already lost its taste for the preparation.

The recipe for the home remedy is simple:

• Pour one liter of boiling water over two tea bags (5 grams)
• Let it steep for at least 15 minutes
• Fill the cooled tea into the spray bottle

Tip: For a stronger tea, you can reduce the amount of water to half a liter, use three tea bags and / or let the black tea steep for half an hour.

Use

For the use of the home remedy, hobby gardeners recommend different variants. All the methods described have to be used several times so that the black tea against the aphids achieves the desired effect.

Spray

Spraying the infested plant with black tea is the most common method. Proceed as follows:

• Spray infected parts of the plant
• alternatively: spray the entire plant from all sides with the household remedy so that it is dripping wet
• in any case: don't forget the underside of the leaves
• Repeat the process every three to four days
• but at least once a week

Pour leaves over

With this variant, carefully pour the black tea over the leaves. However, you should be aware that black tea can leave stubborn stains. Therefore, you should use the floor, window sill, etc. protection. It is also advisable to only use this method when the plant needs water to prevent waterlogging in the substrate.

Wipe off

If you do not want to "water" or spray, you can also wipe the leaves with a cloth that you have soaked in tea. It is also advisable to wipe the leaf stems and shoots, as specimens of the plague can also be found there. As a disadvantage of this method, it must be mentioned that you cannot treat leaf axils and other tight spots on the plant as effectively.

Tip: Especially for Roses hobby gardeners recommend watering them with black tea. In addition, the tea grounds have proven themselves as a fertilizer.

experience

• Black tea against aphids was rated differently by amateur gardeners
• basically positive
• Effectiveness depends on the infestation pressure
• rather suitable for less severe infestation
• in the case of advanced infestation, tougher measures, e.g. B. Pruning the plant is recommended
• Rapeseed oil or soapy water is similarly effective, if not more effective

frequently asked Questions