Baking powder and baking soda against aphids: does it work?

One of the most common and at the same time very unspecific pests in ornamental and kitchen gardens are aphids. It is therefore only understandable that hobby gardeners are always looking for effective means to get rid of annoying guests. Home remedies are ecological and inexpensive. But do the repeatedly propagated remedies baking powder and baking soda actually work against aphids?

Baking powder and baking soda

You may be familiar with both of these named substances from elsewhere - namely from your home kitchen. In the past, baking soda was found in almost every household as a leavening agent, but it has been replaced in many cases by the baking powder that is known and widespread today. A look at the ingredients reveals, however, that even household baking powder primarily contains baking soda. With the exception of a few additives, it is therefore one and the same substance.

NOTE: Please take a look at the ingredients before using the baking powder against aphids. In addition to the classic baking powder, there are other alternatives that also develop propellant gases, but are not suitable if you want to get rid of lice.

How does baking soda work?

When combating the lice, you make use of the same effect that makes the substances appear so beneficial as leavening agents. Because when it reacts with moisture, i.e. water, the chemical known as sodium hydrogen carbonate reacts primarily to form CO2 - carbon dioxide. Since lice breathe oxygen like humans, the mode of action of sodium is obvious:

• Difficulty breathing
• Triggering the escape behavior
• Later respiratory paralysis and death

In addition to its practical effectiveness against aphids, sodium hydrogen carbonate offers even more Benefits it seems particularly beneficial as a home remedy in combating the pests permit:

• Ventilates quickly and without leaving any residue
• No adverse effects on host plants
• Uncritical against many larger beneficial insects, such as butterflies, ladybugs, bees etc.

Tips for use

In order for the aphids to be eliminated effectively, there are a few things to keep in mind when using the soda or baking soda:

1. concentration

In order for the CO2 to take effect, there must be sufficient development. A well-filled tablespoon of powder per liter of water is usually stated as an effective mixture.

2. The time

Once the solution is created, it should be quickly applied to the lice. Because the CO2 can only work if it is released directly to the animals. If it already arises in the mixing tank, it gasses out and is uselessly lost.

3. additions

The effect of the breath poison can be increased according to various sources if further additives are added:

• 1 teaspoon of cooking oil for better attachment to plants and animals
• ALTERNATIVE: ¼ teaspoon of grated curd soap for the same effect
• 2 teaspoons of alcohol, e.g. B. Alcohol, for greater effectiveness against scale and mealybugs

NOTE: In addition to being effective against aphids, baking soda can also help against other plant problems. With regular use of a somewhat weaker mixture of powdery mildew and star soot on rose plants, this can be effectively prevented or contained.