The symbiosis between ants and aphids is one of the most common and enduring in vegetable or flower gardens: The ants “guard” and protect the aphids from predators, and in return, they receive the sweet honeydew they secrete.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
To break this alliance without synthetic chemical pesticides, it is important to tackle two fronts simultaneously: controlling aphids and blocking ants’ access.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Aphid Control (Direct Attack)
Blue-White Soap (or Castile Soap):
Mixture: Dilute 1 to 2 tablespoons of grated soap in one liter of warm water.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Application: Spray directly on infested leaves (especially the underside) in the late afternoon. Soap destroys the protective layer of aphids and dries them out without harming the plant.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Garlic and chili extract:
Mixture: Crush 3 cloves of garlic with 1 chili pepper and 1 liter of water. Strain well and add a few drops of dishwashing detergent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Application: Acts as a powerful, natural repellent and contact insecticide.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Strong stream of water:
For the first infestation of resistant plants, simply spray the stem and underside of the leaves with a strong stream of water to remove most of the aphids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Ant control (access control):
Adhesive barriers:
Apply double-sided tape or tree\/trunk glue to the base of taller plants or the trunk of fruit trees. This will prevent ants from climbing up and feeding on the aphids.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Natural soil repellents:<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Coffee grounds: Sprinkle around the stems of plants. In addition to improving the soil, the strong scent repels ants.
Cinnamon powder or cloves: Place a ring of cinnamon around the base of the plant or in the flowerpot; ants avoid cinnamon barriers because of the strong scent.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Lemon juice: Spray lemon juice along the paths that ants usually use.<\/p>\n\n\n\n
Encourage natural predators (long-term solution): Ladybugs and goldworms (Chrysoperla carnea): A single ladybug can eat dozens of aphids a day. Companion plants: Plant marigolds, coriander, fennel, or basil near vulnerable plant species to attract these beneficial insects and naturally repel pests.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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