Aphids are small insects found on many plants, the most common ones being cacti and succulents. They are very harmful and should be eradicated immediately! Finding how to get rid of Aphids on indoor plant foliage can be a bit tricky, but don’t fret, I have you covered.
Firstly, look for signs of infestation around your indoor plant. You will notice black specks under the soil and around the leaves. You should also see a white powdery substance in the water. Aphids love moisture and will breed in places with too much moisture.
The easiest way to remove these pests is to spray the area and wait for them to come out. If they do not come out in a week then just replace the old soil with fresh, sterilised soil. Do this on a regular basis until the aphids have been removed completely from the area.
If the infestation on your indoor plant has been caused by a spill of water or food then you should remove whatever was spilled first. If it is food then make sure that you are washing it thoroughly to avoid spreading it to other areas. Never leave food out to dry on its own, food particles will eventually attract aphids. After cleaning up the spill and making sure there are no leftovers then use a fungicide as a final measure to kill off all traces of the problem. Don’t forget to disinfect the area where you cleaned the spill using hot water and soap, if you haven’t already!
Now that the infestation has been eliminated you may think to use organic pest control products for treating the area. These are great for dealing with stubborn infestations, however they may not be enough to deal with larger infestations. Many experts recommend using liquid nitrogen on large infestations to ensure that the problem is resolved as quickly as possible. It can be sprayed over the affected area and overnight, allowing the soil to absorb it into the soil before you can apply another application of the liquid nitrogen.
Using liquid nitrogen will also help to loosen up the roots of your plants which can make them easier to be removed. Once the roots are removed, you should follow up by treating the affected area with a commercial insecticide. Follow these simple tips to remove aphids from indoor plants for good!
