Do you have a lavender plant thats been invaded by aphids and youre wondering how to get rid of them quickly and effectively? Dont worry – this article will provide you with all the information you need to know in order to get rid of aphids on lavender, from insecticidal soaps to neem oil and horticultural oils.
We’ll also discuss companion plants that can help protect lavender from aphid invasion and the importance of keeping lavender plants healthy.
So, if youre looking for a way to get rid of aphids from your lavender plants, then read on!
Table of Contents
Short Answer
Aphids can be difficult to get rid of, but there are some methods that can be effective.
One of the most effective ways to get rid of aphids on lavender is by spraying the plants with a mixture of water and dish soap.
This will create a soapy film on the leaves which will suffocate the aphids.
Additionally, you can use a mixture of water and neem oil to spray the plants, as neem oil is a natural insecticide.
Finally, introducing beneficial insects to the area can help keep the aphid population under control.
What are Aphids and How Do They Damage Lavender?
Aphids are small soft-bodied insects that suck the sap out of plants.
They are usually green, black or yellow in color and can be found on the leaves, stems, and flowers of lavender plants.
Aphids can reproduce quickly, so they can quickly cause damage to lavender plants.
They can cause the leaves to yellow, curl, and become distorted.
They can also spread plant diseases and stunt the growth of the lavender plant.
In addition, aphids can secrete a sticky substance called honeydew, which can cause a black sooty mold to form on the lavender plant.
If left untreated, aphids can cause serious damage to lavender plants.
Insecticidal Soap for Aphids on Lavender
Insecticidal soaps are a great way to get rid of aphids on lavender plants.
The soaps work by disrupting the exoskeleton of the aphids, causing them to dehydrate and die.
To use insecticidal soap to get rid of aphids on lavender, mix 2 teaspoons of liquid soap with 1 gallon of water in a spray bottle.
Shake the bottle to mix the soap and water thoroughly.
Then, spray the mixture directly onto the affected lavender plants, making sure to coat the leaves and stems.
It is important to spray the plants on both sides of the leaves and stems in order to ensure that the aphids are completely covered.
The mixture should be reapplied every few days until all of the aphids are gone.
It is safe to use insecticidal soap on lavender plants, as the soap will not harm the plant.
Neem Oil for Aphids on Lavender
Neem oil is an effective and natural way to get rid of aphids on lavender.
This oil is derived from the seeds of the neem tree and is known to work against a variety of garden pests, including aphids.
When applied directly to the affected lavender plants, neem oil can kill the aphids on contact and provide long-term protection from further infestations.
For best results, it is best to apply neem oil in the early morning or late evening, as the oil can burn the leaves of the lavender when exposed to direct sunlight.
Additionally, neem oil should be used at full strength, as diluting it can reduce its effectiveness.
When applying the oil, make sure to cover the entire plant, including the underside of the leaves where aphids may be hiding.
For heavy infestations, it may be necessary to reapply neem oil every few days until the aphids are eliminated.
Horticultural Oils for Aphids on Lavender
Horticultural oils can be an effective tool in getting rid of aphids on lavender.
Horticultural oils are made from petroleum or vegetable oil and are a safe and natural way to control pests.
The oils work by coating the aphids and smothering them, which can be done with either a spray or a drench.
When spraying, it is important to be sure to coat both the upper and lower surfaces of the lavender leaves.
For drenching, make sure to get the soil around the plant wet.
For best results, it is important to use horticultural oils when the temperatures are below 90F and the humidity is low.
This is because high temperatures can cause the oils to break down, which makes them less effective.
Additionally, horticultural oils can cause damage to the plant if used in high concentrations or if applied in direct sunlight.
It is important to always follow the instructions on the packaging and test a small area before applying to the entire plant.
In addition to being effective in getting rid of aphids on lavender, horticultural oils can also help to control mites, scales, and other soft-bodied insects.
Applying horticultural oils regularly can help to prevent infestations from occurring in the first place.
Applying horticultural oils during the warmer months can also help to reduce the number of aphids that are present on the lavender plants.
Spraying Lavender with a Hose
Spraying lavender with a hose is an effective way to get rid of aphids on lavender plants.
The strong stream of water from the hose can knock off and kill the aphids while also washing away any eggs or debris that the aphids may have left behind.
Additionally, the water can help to dislodge any aphids that may have taken up residence on the lavenders leaves.
When spraying the lavender with a hose, it is important to be sure to use a strong stream of water.
A weak spray of water may not be strong enough to knock off and kill the aphids.
Also, be careful not to use too much pressure, as this can damage the delicate lavender leaves.
Lastly, be sure to spray the entire plant, paying special attention to the undersides of the leaves, as this is where aphids like to hide.
In addition to using a hose to spray the lavender, it is also important to keep the lavender plants well watered and healthy.
Regular watering can help the lavender plants to stay strong and healthy, making them less susceptible to aphid infestations.
Additionally, keeping the lavender plants healthy can also help to attract beneficial insects, such as ladybugs, which can help to keep aphid populations in check.
Planting Companion Plants Near Lavender
One of the most effective ways to get rid of aphids on lavender is to plant companion plants near the lavender.
Planting companion plants can act as a deterrent to aphids, as the scent of certain companion plants can repel them.
Some of the best companion plants to plant near lavender are mint, garlic, and chives.
Mint has a strong scent that aphids dont like, and garlic and chives also have strong odors that can repel aphids.
Planting these companion plants near lavender can also give the plant additional nutrients and help it to grow more vigorously.
Its important to make sure that the companion plants you choose are suitable for the climate you live in, and that they are compatible with the type of lavender you are growing.
Additionally, its important to keep the companion plants well-watered and healthy, as this can help prevent aphid infestations.
Keeping Lavender Plants Healthy
When it comes to getting rid of aphids on lavender, one of the best things you can do is keep your lavender plants healthy and well-watered.
Healthy, well-watered plants are less likely to attract and sustain a large number of pests.
This is because they have less stress, which can make them more resilient to pests.
Its important to provide your lavender plants with the right amount of water and nutrients to keep them healthy.
Start by checking the soil moisture levels of your lavender plants regularly.
Water them when the soil is dry, but not soggy.
When you water your lavender plants, do it early in the morning or late in the evening to reduce the amount of water that is lost to evaporation.
Additionally, make sure your lavender plants are getting enough sunlight and fertilizer to help them stay healthy.
Finally, its important to regularly prune your lavender plants to keep them in optimal condition and prevent them from becoming overgrown.
Pruning removes dead or damaged parts of the plant so it can focus its energy on producing healthy new growth.
It also helps to keep the plant shapely and attractive.
By keeping your lavender plants healthy and well-watered, you can reduce the likelihood of an aphid infestation.
Healthy plants are better able to defend themselves and are less likely to be infested by pests.
Final Thoughts
Getting rid of aphids on lavender doesn’t have to be a daunting task.
With the right methods, you can quickly and effectively get rid of aphids on your lavender plants.
Insecticidal soap, neem oil, and horticultural oils are all effective solutions to killing aphids.
Additionally, spraying the lavender with a hose, planting companion plants, and keeping the lavender plants well-watered and healthy can all help prevent aphid infestations.
Now that you have the knowledge to get rid of aphids on lavender, take action and start protecting your lavender plants today!