40 Effective Ways to Get Rid of Cotton Aphids Naturally

If you’re not keen on resorting to chemicals, try these 40 natural methods to remove the pesky Cotton Aphids.

If the constant onslaught of pests on your beloved plants has you frustrated, then implementing these natural strategies to eliminate Cotton Aphids is the way to go. A cleaner and safer approach to tackling these unwanted garden visitors!

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40 Natural Techniques to Get Rid of Cotton Aphids

1. Growing Aphid-Repellent Plants

Plant flowers such as marigolds, nasturtiums, and sunflowers to naturally deter Cotton Aphids. Intersperse herbs like catmint, lavender, turmeric, ginger, and oregano to further repel these pests. Opt for aphid-resistant vegetables like onions and garlic.

2. Craft a Garlic Spray

Crush 100 grams of garlic cloves, soak them in a gallon of water for 24 hours, then boil for 20 minutes. Once cooled, use it as a spray.

3. Utilize Liquid Dish Soap

Create a solution by mixing 2 to 4 teaspoons of liquid soap in a gallon of water, then apply it to the affected plant, paying special attention to the undersides of the foliage.

4. Formulate Vinegar Solution

Combine white vinegar and water in a 1:3 ratio to create a natural pesticide. Spritz this solution onto the aphids-infested parts of the plants, repeating after one week if necessary.

5. Create a Dandelion Infusion

Harness the medicinal properties of dandelions by soaking 400 grams of dandelion leaves in 2 liters of water for a day. Use the resulting solution as a spray on affected plants.

6. Apply Neem Oil

Whether applied directly with a soaked cotton ball or as part of a spray, neem oil is effective in combating cotton aphids.

7. Mix Pepper and Dawn Dish Soap

Blend 3-5 teaspoons of pepper and 1 teaspoon of dawn dish soap in a gallon of water, then spray the mixture on the affected areas of the plant. Repeat as needed.

8. Use Wood Ash

Combat aphids by sprinkling a handful of wood ash on affected plant areas. This age-old method dehydrates and suffocates aphids effectively.

9. Utilize an Onion Solution

Boil 100 grams of chopped onions in a gallon of water for 30 minutes. Apply the solution at room temperature on the same day.

10. Employ a Strong Jet of Water

Dislodge Cotton Aphids by directing a forceful stream of water onto infected plants, providing an organic solution to rid them.

11. Use Essential Oils

Employ essential oils such as peppermint and lavender to keep these pests at bay. These oils may not kill aphids but act as effective deterrents.

12. Dust with Diatomaceous Earth

Dust affected plants with diatomaceous earth, causing aphids to fall off and perish within 12-24 hours.

13. Attract Birds

Foster a bird-friendly environment in your garden to invite bug-eating birds like chickadees, wrens, and titmice.

14. Handpick Them

Physically remove Cotton Aphids by hand, crushing them if their numbers are manageable, or wear gloves to avoid the stickiness.

15. Encourage Predatory Insects

Create a habitat for beneficial insects like ladybugs, lacewings, praying mantis, and hoverflies to eliminate these pests’ population naturally.

16. Use Leftover Wine

Apply leftover wine on cotton aphids using a soaked cotton ball. This method is effective for small infestations on houseplants.

17. Control Ants

Address ant populations as they collaborate with Cotton Aphids. Controlling ants disrupts the aphid-ant partnership.

18. Apply Rubbing Alcohol

Formulate a solution of rubbing alcohol and water in a 1:8 ratio. Perform a patch test, spray on the plant, leave for 15-20 minutes, and rinse.

19. Attract Aphids with Trap Crops

Plant bait crops like cosmos, dahlias, zinnias, and asters away from valuable plants to attract and manage Cotton Aphids.

20. Make a Suffocating Solution

Mix 2 cups of vegetable oil with half a cup of soap, shake well, and spray directly on Cotton Aphid. Dilute for leaf application.

21. Utilize Lime and Sulfur Liquid Concentrate

Combine sulfur and lime in equal proportions to create an effective aphid control solution. Apply directly as needed.

22. Eliminate with Baking Soda

Make a solution with 1/3 teaspoon of baking soda, 500ml of warm water, and half a teaspoon of vegetable oil. Spray for effective control.

23. Use Milk

Dilute milk with water in a 1:1 ratio and spray on Cotton Aphids-infested plants to reduce their population.

24. Spray a Coca Cola Solution

Mix soda with water in a 1:1 ratio, transfer to a mister bottle, and evenly spray on aphid-infested areas.

25. Create an Anti-Aphid Spray Using Nettle

Make a stinging nettle solution by harvesting 1 kg of leaves, adding 2 gallons of water, and letting it sit for two to three weeks. Use the solution by mixing 1 part with 7 parts of water and spray on plants. Store the remaining solution and use within a month.

26. Use Chrysanthemum Extract

Chrysanthemums contain a substance called pyrethrin, which is known for its insect-repelling properties. Create a solution by steeping dried chrysanthemum flowers in hot water. Once cooled, spray the solution on the affected plants.

27. Spray with Tomato Leaf Infusion

Tomato leaves contain alkaloids that act as natural insecticides. Blend tomato leaves with water to create a potent infusion. Strain the mixture and spray it on plants to deter and eliminate cotton aphids.

28. Employ Coffee Grounds

Sprinkle used coffee grounds around the base of plants. The abrasive nature of coffee grounds can act as a barrier, deterring aphids and other pests.

29. Use Aloe Vera Spray

Create a solution by blending aloe vera gel with water. Spray this mixture on affected plants to deter pests and promote overall plant health.

Read about How to Protect Plants from Insects and Diseases here

30. Use Reflective Mulch

Surround plants with reflective mulch to confuse and deter aphids, disrupting their ability to locate host plants.

31. Deploy Cucumber Slices

Aphids have an aversion to cucumber. Place cucumber slices around the affected areas or create a cucumber-infused spray to ward off these pests.

32. Utilize Citrus Peels

Aphids are known to dislike the scent of citrus. Place citrus peels around the base of your plants or create a citrus-infused spray by boiling citrus peels in water. Allow it to cool and then use it as a spray.

33. Introduce Beneficial Nematodes

Beneficial nematodes are microscopic organisms that prey on aphids and other harmful insects. Release these nematodes into the soil to naturally control the aphids population.

34. Sprinkle Chili Powder

Dust affected plants with chili powder or create a chili-infused spray by mixing water and chili powder. The spicy nature of chili can deter aphids effectively.

35. Use Castile Soap Solution

Mix a tablespoon of Castile soap with a gallon of water and spray it on aphid-infested plants. The soap suffocates cotton aphids, leading to their elimination.

36. Install Yellow Sticky Traps

Aphids are attracted to the color yellow. Place yellow sticky traps near plants to capture and control aphids population.

37. Deploy Kaolin Clay

Kaolin clay creates a protective barrier on plant surfaces, making it difficult for cotton aphids to feed. Dust plants with kaolin clay to deter and control their population.

38. Apply Borage Companion Planting

Plant borage alongside susceptible crops. Borage is known to repel cotton aphids and attract beneficial insects, creating a natural balance in the garden.

39. Use Tobacco Spray

Soak tobacco leaves in water to create a natural insecticide. Strain the solution and spray it on affected plants. The nicotine in tobacco acts as a deterrent.

40. Apply Epsom Salt Solution

Mix a tablespoon of Epsom salt with a gallon of water and spray it on the affected plants. The magnesium in Epsom salt can help deter these pests and boost plant health.