Non-Chemical Management
- Plant certified, virus-free stock.
- Encourage natural enemies including ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid (hover) fly larvae, and parasitic wasps. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
- Control honeydew-feeding ants, which may protect aphid colonies from predators.
- Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer when practical.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!