Non-Chemical Management
- Encourage natural enemies including ladybird beetles, lacewings, syrphid (hover) fly larvae, and parasitic wasps. Avoid use of broad-spectrum insecticides which kill beneficial insects.
- Hand-wipe to help control small, localized infestations.
- Wash aphids from plants with a strong stream of water. This may be ineffective on the low, dense foliage of lettuce.
- Control honeydew-feeding ants.
- Provide proper nutrition. High levels of nitrogen in the foliage encourage aphid reproduction. Switch to a slow-release or low-nitrogen fertilizer when practical.
- Wash lettuce before eating.
Select non-chemical management options as your first choice!
