Because they reproduce and spread so quickly, growers should have an initial control ready to go, and then follow up with a long term control plan. It also means that as soon as you notice them, aphids are a problem. Don’t wait until they are bad to control them!
How to deal with aphids: initial reaction
Here are your options:
- Soap controls are typically very safe, but they can’t be used alone.
- Biological sprays like Mycotrol and Botanigard, which both use strains of the fungus Beauveria bassiana are both safe controls. Azadirachtin is another compound in sprays like Azatrol that uses a product of neem oil.
- Pyrethrin products like Pyganic are pretty effective.
- You can use some “big guns” like Marathon, which is a systemic pesticide that will knock out aphids like nobody business. If you do this, you MUST check to make sure that: it’s legal in your area, and you have diligently read the label and followed all instructions there.