Neem – home remedy for aphids
Aphids are a common pest in gardens and on plants. They can damage plants by sucking on the leaves and stems. Fortunately, there are many home remedies that can help control aphids. One effective method is the use of neem oil. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and is known for its properties to repel insects. To combat aphids, the neem oil is first mixed with a suitable emulsifier and then diluted with water to form an emulsion. Dissolve 5 to 10 ml of this mixture per litre of water and spray the leaves and trunk. Repeat this process regularly, preferably every 2 to 4 weeks during the growing season.
This solution can then be used to prevent aphid infestation or as a direct defence against these organisms. It is recommended to spray the plants regularly, especially in areas where aphids have been spotted. Neem oil disrupts the life cycle and development of aphids. They immediately reduce their sucking activity on the plants and the birth rate drops drastically. As a result, the aphid colonies are continuously decimated until they disappear completely. It is important that the treatment is carried out regularly, as aphids have a very short generation cycle, which is only a few days in the warm season. It may therefore be necessary to apply neem oil once a week during the warm season to achieve rapid success.
When repelling aphids, it is important to also consider the effects on beneficial insects in the garden. Beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps feed on aphids, helping to keep their populations in check. It is therefore advisable to use neem oil in such a way that the natural enemies of aphids continue to find sufficient living aphids and other pests to feed on. Beneficial insects such as ladybirds, lacewings and parasitic wasps feed exclusively on live prey, so the risk of being harmed by neem oil is extremely low.The neem tree is a plant that is found in many parts of the world and has been used for centuries as a defence against unwanted organisms. In addition to its direct effect on the organisms, neem oil also acts as a repellent, so it can also be used to prevent aphid infestations. It is advisable to spray the plants regularly with the neem oil emulsifier water emulsion to minimise colonisation by aphids.
To summarise, neem oil is an effective household remedy against aphids. With its bioactive ingredients, it can help to reduce and prevent infestations.
Are you looking for a natural remedy for aphids? Do you want to get rid of aphids and prevent aphid infestations? Then use neem oil against aphids now as a natural home remedy against black and green aphids.
Aphids on houseplants
Aphids are one of the most common pests that houseplants are exposed to. Although they are tiny, they can cause great damage by attacking the leaf tissue of plants through their sucking activity, resulting in deformation of the plant. Aphids can multiply rapidly and infest entire groups of plants if they are not controlled in time. Fortunately, there are several ways to get rid of aphids, one of which is the use of neem oil.
Neem oil is a natural vegetable oil from the seeds of the neem tree (Azadirachta indica). It contains various compounds that disrupt the development of aphids and prevent them from reproducing, while at the same time being safe for humans and pets. Neem oil is not only effective against aphids, but also against other organisms such as spider mites, thrips and whiteflies. It can be applied in various ways, either by spraying the plants or, in the case of young plants, by watering them. In addition, the oily consistency of neem oil suffocates the aphids as well as other sucking organisms such as spider mites, thrips or mealybugs.
Tips against aphids:
When using neem oil to repel aphids, it is important to observe the correct dosage and method of application. Too high a concentration of neem oil can damage plants. It is therefore advisable to follow the instructions on the packaging. It is also important to apply neem oil regularly, as it not only affects the adult aphids, but also their eggs and larvae. To ensure long-term protection, the application should be repeated every one to two weeks.
Neem oil is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides, which can be harmful to the environment. It does not harm beneficial insects or other living creatures in the garden or home. Neem oil also has a nurturing effect on plants, as it helps them to stay healthy and strong. It can also be used on plants that are already infested to reduce pest infestation and promote plant growth. Neem oil also gives the plants a shiny surface and therefore a healthy lustre.
Repel aphids naturally: How to use neem oil as a home remedy against aphids
Aphids can be a real pest for plants in the garden or in the house. They suck the sap from the leaves and leave behind sticky droppings known as honeydew. Fortunately, there is a natural way to effectively repel aphids - with neem oil. Neem oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree, which is native to tropical and subtropical regions. It contains components that have a toxic effect on aphids and other organisms, but are harmless to humans and beneficial insects.
To use neem oil as an effective home remedy against aphids and to protect plants, mix 5 to 10 ml of a neem oil emulsifier mixture with one litre of water. It is best applied using a spray bottle. Be sure to spray the plant thoroughly from all sides to ensure that all aphids are caught. Repeat the process every 7 to 10 days until the aphids have disappeared. Make sure to store the neem oil in a cool, dark place as it will degrade when exposed to light. Ready-made neem oil/water mixtures can only be stored in a cool, dark place for a short time. They must be used within 48 hours as they oxidise quickly and the active ingredients are broken down.
The effect of neem oil as a protective agent for plants is based on the active ingredients it contains, the best known of which are various azadirachtin compounds. These active ingredients influence the hormone system of the aphids and disrupt their food intake, reproduction and development. This is why neem oil is a very effective household remedy against aphids.
Neem oil deters aphids: In addition, neem oil also acts as a repellent, so that the aphids avoid the plants treated with neem oil.
Neem oil can also be used preventively as a protective agent. Spray your plants regularly with neem oil to prevent infestation by aphids. Regular application strengthens the plants and makes them less attractive to pests. In this way, you can minimise the risk of infestation and improve the health of your plants.
FAQ
How and how can I recognise aphids?
Aphids are small insects that can occur in the garden or on houseplants. To recognise aphids, you should look for parts of the plant that have sticky residues or crippled and yellow leaves. You can also observe the aphids directly, as they usually sit in large groups, also known as colonies, on the plants. Another option is to tap the plant parts over a white sheet of paper to better recognise the aphids. Aphids love young and fresh plant shoots and are therefore very often found at the tips of plants.
What is the quickest home remedy for aphids?
Neem oil can be used as an effective household remedy to get rid of aphids quickly. The oil is extracted from the seeds of the neem tree and contains effective ingredients that repel the insects. Simply prepare a mixture of neem oil, a suitable emulsifier and water and spray the infested plants with it. Aphids will no longer reproduce and the animals in the colonies will get older and smaller until they disappear completely. Neem oil is an environmentally friendly alternative to chemical insecticides and achieves rapid results.
How quickly does neem oil work against aphids?
The effect of neem oil against aphids depends on various factors such as temperature, humidity, rain frequency and whether there are many plants in the area that are repeatedly infested by aphids. As a rule, neem oil shows initial results within a few hours, as it greatly reduces the aphids' food intake and inhibits their development. However, depending on the situation, it may take several applications to reduce the aphids and ensure long-term protection.
How to mix neem oil with water?
To mix neem oil with water, you first need a suitable emulsifier, as neem oil, like any other pure vegetable oil, does not mix with water. A very suitable emulsifier is Rimulgan. It is mixed in a ratio of 4 parts neem oil to 1 part Rimulgan. Then add between 5 and 10 ml of this neem oil-Rimulgan mixture to one litre of water. A white homogeneous mixture is immediately formed, which can be used to apply a fine spray mist to leaves, branches, twigs and the trunk of the plants. Always follow the exact instructions on the packaging of the neem oil and the emulsifier Rimulgan.
What organisms does neem oil help against?
Neem oil is an effective remedy against various organisms in the garden and on houseplants. It can be used successfully against aphids, spider mites, whiteflies, thrips and mildew. Neem oil forms a protective barrier against these pests by disrupting the insects' metabolism and inhibiting their reproduction. It is a natural and environmentally friendly approach to protecting garden plants from unwanted insects. Experts recommend the regular application of neem oil to keep the population under control.