When it comes to gardening, insects can be your worst nightmare. Insects like root aphids leech nutrition and moisture from the roots of your plants, leaving them yellowed and unhealthy in otherwise ideal conditions. Controlling root aphids can revive withered plants affected by the insects. Root aphids are white to light green in color, but you may not notice the actual bugs. Instead, you may notice the white, powdery, waxlike substance they leave behind on your plant's roots. Killing root aphids will lead to heartier, healthier plants.
Fill a spray bottle with water and the appropriate amount of nematodes, according to the package instructions. Shake the bottle lightly to mix. Nematodes are tiny, live, parasitic worms that infect many soil-dwelling insects, including root aphids. You can buy nematodes at garden centers. These all-natural biological agents kill root aphids within a few days and are completely harmless to earthworms, plants, animals and people. Nematodes are a natural way to control garden pests.
Water the soil around the plant you intend to treat with nematodes so it is moist.
Spray the nematode mixture onto the soil around the root aphid-infested plant until the ground is wet. The nematodes will begin to penetrate the soil and will begin to kill the root aphids in 24 to 72 hours. You may water your plants at any time after application -- there is no need to wait. The nematodes will continue to control pests that could damage your plants for months and you can reapply them if the aphids return.
Spray a pyrethrum-based insecticide to the soil around the root-aphid infested plant. Pyrethrum is a natural, organic insecticide that is derived from the chrysanthemum flower. It is toxic to root aphids and many other garden pests, but safe to use around animals and children at the concentrations recommended for garden use.
Water the plant lightly to wash the pyrethrum deep into the soil. Let the plant sit for 12 hours before watering again. The pyrethrum will begin to kill root aphids within hours.
Reapply pyrethrum every two to three weeks or after heavy rains during the growing season to prevent root aphid reinfestation.
Things You Will Need
- Clean spray bottle
- Beneficial nematodes
- Watering can
- Pyrethrum insecticide
- While pyrethrum is not toxic to animals or people, it can produce skin irritation in sensitive or allergic people or animals. Keep children and animals away from treated plants for 24 hours after application to minimize this risk.
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