As the warmer spring weather begins to arrive, many Brits will be out gardening.
However, blooming flowers and fruitful orchards may also see the return of some unwanted visitors: aphids.
The small sap-sucking insects, also known as green flies and black flies, can wreak havoc on your garden if not managed well.
They damage plants by sucking juices from leaves and stems, and large infestations produce honeydew, which attracts ants and stimulates fungal growth.
Here, FEMAIL looks at how you can protect your garden from common plant pests…
The small sap-sucking insects, also known as green flies and black flies, can wreak havoc on your garden if not managed well.
1. THE SIGNS OF AN APHID ATTACK
Before you can begin to fight off the attack of aphids, you must recognize that you are dealing with one.
According Plant TipsAll plants are potential targets and pests are prolific in hot climates and humid conditions; Too rich soil can also make your garden very susceptible to an infestation.
Fortunately, the symptoms are easy to recognize: your plants’ growth will be stunted and distorted.
A second telltale sign of an aphid infestation is that the foliage will be covered in a sticky substance known as honeydew.
Honeydew often produces black soot that grows on the leaves, reducing the plants’ ability to photosynthesize.
It is important to address the problem as soon as you notice it because aphids have the ability to spread plant viruses as they move from one plant to another.
2. USE TRAPS
According to Plant Advice, all plants are potential targets and pests are prolific in hot climates and humid conditions; Too rich soil can also make your garden very susceptible to an infestation.
The first tip from gardening experts is to place yellow traps under the glass and on top of the plants.
Aphids are attracted to color, so this will help you catch them as they fly.
Pests will fly into the sticky traps and get stuck there; you can get a pack of 12 for under £3 on Amazon.
However, many people prefer to use green and organic techniques to get rid of insects.
3. TAKE ADVANTAGE OF NATURAL PREDATORS
Plant Advice also suggests using natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
If you can attract them to your garden, they will feast on the aphid colonies and solve the problem for you.
To attract hoverflies, which feed on aphids, you should plant French marigolds near the plants you are concerned about.
Hoverflies will also lay eggs and the larvae that hatch will also feast on annoying aphids.
Marigolds are also excellent for attracting lacewings, another useful predator.
Plant Advice also suggests using natural predators, such as ladybugs and lacewings.
4. ORGANIC CONTROL
If none of the above works, another tip is to create a concoction that organically controls aphids.
Boil the rhubarb leaves, crushed garlic and chilli powder and let it cool.
Rhubarb leaves are semi-poisonous to aphids, but it is also important to remember that they are poisonous to humans: they are not toxic to the touch, but avoid ingesting them.
Another technique that “produces instant results” is to simply crush the pests between your thumb and forefinger to remove them from the plants.
5. USE AEROSOL
Finally, if you just want a quick fix and don’t mind too much using eco-friendly techniques, you can opt for sprays.
According to Plant Advice, those containing bifenthrin, pyrethrum, derris, imidacloprid or pirimicarb are your best option.
The latter ingredients are recommended as they do not harm beneficial insects such as bees and ladybugs.
So, with a few options to choose from, these methods should help you keep pesky pests from disturbing your beautiful spring garden.