Recognizing aphid infestation in good time - tips on the symptoms
The earlier you tackle aphid control, the better the chances of survival for affected balcony plants. The following symptoms indicate the pest infestation:
- Curled leaf margins
- Sticky coating on the undersides of the leaves
- Crippled flowers, shoots and leaves
- Yellow spots on the foliage
also read
- Aphids on strawberries on the balcony - what to do
- Pests on balcony plants - tips on symptoms and control
- This is how balcony plants overwinter safely - tips & tricks
Fight aphids successfully with home remedies - this is how it works
If you have discovered aphids, infested balcony plants are first and foremost put into quarantine. If the insects smell hardship, a winged generation develops at lightning speed and migrates to neighboring plants. In isolation, target the plant lice with the following home remedies:
- Wash off aphids with the strongest possible jet of water - even overhead
- Spray from 1 liter of water and 2 to 3 tablespoons of pure soft soap plus 1 tablespoon of alcohol
- Alternatively, buy ready-to-use soap from Neudosan and spray on repeatedly
You can use the fresh leaves of non-blooming nettle plants to make a powerful remedy for aphids. To do this, pour 1 liter of boiling water over 100 grams of nettle leaves and let the brew steep for 24 hours. Then strain the broth and dilute it with water in a ratio of 1:10. Spray the entire plant dripping wet every 2 to 3 days, including the underside of the leaves.
Aphid-infested balcony plants do not tolerate spray mist - what to do?
Fighting aphids with water-based sprays is counterproductive if fungal diseases such as powdery mildew are already rampant on the balcony. Damp leaves and shoots attract all kinds of fungal spores, so a dry control method comes into focus. You will need a powder syringe or hand brush to apply the following:
- Algae lime (works against aphids and fungal diseases at the same time)
- Rock flour
- Pure wood ash
Ideally, pollinate the aphid-infested balcony plants in the early morning when the leaves are damp with dew drops.
Tips
Before wintering in the basement, please examine your balcony plants with a magnifying glass for aphids and their eggs. In late summer, the last females produce numerous eggs, which they hide well on the undersides of the leaves or in the leaf axils.
