Aphids on your pepper plants? Here's what to do

Red Section Separator Spicy exchange / 2023 Learn more

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that attach themselves to the leaves of plants and suck out sap. Unfortunately, the leaves of pepper plants are abundant in sap for them to feast on.

Cream Section Separator What are aphids? Learn more

-Actual aphids on your plants - Dark spots on leaf veins - Increased ant activity - Leaf abnormalities

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Aphids aren't all bad. While they can damage peppers and other plants, they are essential food sources for some other beneficial insects, and contribute to a balanced ecosystem.

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Getting rid of aphids

Cream Section Separator By understanding the benefits of aphids, you can holistically approach pest management. Rather than striving for complete eradication, focus on maintaining a balanced garden ecosystem through population control strategies. Learn more

Manual removal is a great first step if you're noticing a few aphids. You can squish them with your (gloved) hand, gently shake them off the leaf, or spray them with water.

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Companion planting

Cream Section Separator Companion planting should be considered as you plan your garden. Certain plants deter aphids, while others attract them (bringing them away from your peppers). Still, other plants attract the natural predators of aphids. Learn more

Neem oil, capsaicin, and diatomaceous earth are all natural pesticide options that are effective for reducing aphid populations. Keep in mind, they may also disrupt the beneficial insects in your garden so use them with care.

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