How to Get Rid of Aphids
A tiny, soft, pear-shaped insect that clusters on new shoots and leaf undersides to suck sap. Aphids reproduce quickly and leave sticky honeydew that attracts ants. If you are seeing them in gardens and on plants, the steps below will help you clear them out and keep them from coming back.
Quick answer
- Blast colonies off plants with a strong spray of water
- Encourage ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps
- Use insecticidal soap on persistent colonies, covering leaf undersides
Aphids don't bite people; heavy colonies curl leaves and spread plant viruses.
Confirm you have aphids
Correct identification matters, because the right fix for aphids differs from the fix for their lookalikes. Adults measure 1–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in) and are usually green, black, white and yellow. Look for these features:
- Pear-shaped, soft body, often green or black
- Two small tailpipes (cornicles) on the rear
- Dense colonies with sticky, shiny leaves below
They are most often confused with green lacewing. See the full aphid profile for side-by-side details.
Why you have aphids
Aphids are drawn to the specific plants they feed on and multiply quickly in warm weather. Planting the same crop in the same bed each year makes outbreaks worse. Broad-spectrum sprays can kill the predators that would otherwise keep them in check. They are most active in spring and summer, so expect to see more of them then.
When you'll see aphids
Aphids are most active in spring and summer. In spring, overwintering adults become active and many species lay their first eggs. Summer heat speeds up development, so populations can grow quickly.
Typical places to check: garden or plants.
Step-by-step: getting rid of aphids
Step 1: Blast colonies off plants with a strong spray of water
Blast colonies off plants with a strong spray of water. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 2: Encourage ladybugs
Encourage ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Step 3: Use insecticidal soap on persistent colonies
Use insecticidal soap on persistent colonies, covering leaf undersides. This is the step most people skip, and it is the one that makes the biggest difference.
Natural and low-toxicity options
These methods work well alongside the steps above and keep chemical use to a minimum:
- Hand-pick pests or knock them into a bucket of soapy water.
- Use floating row covers as a physical barrier.
- Attract beneficial insects with flowering herbs such as dill, yarrow and alyssum.
- Try insecticidal soap, neem oil or Bt products labeled for this pest, following the label.
If you do use a pesticide, choose one labeled for this pest and the place you're treating, and follow the label exactly. The label is the law.
When to call a professional
Most home gardens can handle aphids without a professional. Contact your local cooperative extension office if damage is severe or you can't confirm the pest.
How to keep aphids from coming back
- Rotate crops and clean up plant debris at the end of the season.
- Inspect plants weekly, especially leaf undersides.
- Keep plants healthy with proper watering and spacing.
- Encourage birds, ladybugs, lacewings and parasitic wasps.
Safety notes
Aphids don't bite people; heavy colonies curl leaves and spread plant viruses.
Keep children and pets away from any traps, baits or treated areas.
About true bugs
The aphid is one of the true bugs. True bugs have piercing, straw-like mouthparts used to suck plant sap or, in a few species, blood. They develop through gradual metamorphosis: nymphs look like small, wingless adults and molt several times as they grow. Many release strong odors from scent glands when threatened.
Because nymphs look like adults, you'll often see mixed sizes of the same bug together, which is a good sign that a population is breeding nearby.
Frequently asked questions
What is the fastest way to get rid of aphids?
Blast colonies off plants with a strong spray of water. Most people see a clear drop in activity within one to three weeks when they combine this with sealing entry points and removing whatever attracts them.
Are aphids dangerous?
Aphids don't bite people; heavy colonies curl leaves and spread plant viruses.
When are aphids most active?
Aphids are most active in spring and summer.
What do aphids look like?
Pear-shaped, soft body, often green or black. Adults measure 1–3 mm (up to about 0.12 in).