Cucumbers are one of the freshest vegetables in the summer garden. But they are also susceptible to pests that are sometimes difficult to eliminate. If you find aphids on cucumber plants, you need to get rid of them immediately. Getting rid of aphids on cucumbers can be done naturally. Learn what home remedies and natural methods you can use to grow healthy plants.
How do you recognize an aphid infestation?
Aphids have a destructive effect on many garden plants. They cause a number of problems, so pay attention to the following:
- The leaves of the plants are misshapen, curled or yellow.
- Sticky substance is left by the pests on the stem of the cucumbers.
- You can find small bugs on the opposite part of the leaf, on the stem and at the root of the plant.
- The cucumbers grow deformed.
What helps against aphids on cucumber plants? Chemical agents are definitely not a good choice because they harm nature and people. Luckily there are somesimple and natural methods, which can help you successfully remove lice from cucumbers.
Remove aphids manually
The easiest method is to remove the pests manually. You can quickly get rid of aphids by taking a dry paper towel and plucking the aphids from individual cucumber leaves. Note that youdo not leave any live pests behind. You can then use a damp paper towel to remove the residue from the leaves to prevent further pests from attacking your plant.
Use a hose to spray the leaves
Another harmless and simple method of controlling pests is spraying with water. Spray the underside of the cucumber leaves liberally using the high power setting of your hose to get rid of the pests. Allow the leaves to dry and check again. If all the lice are not gone, spray again. Repeat the process until all lice are gone.
Attract beneficial insects and birds to your garden
Many gardeners know that ladybugs and lacewings eat aphids, and if you attract them to the garden,you will get rid of the pests most effectivelyand get going as quickly as possible. Ladybugs and lacewings eat aphid eggs and larvae, preventing large infestations.
One of the easiest ways to attract these beneficial insects to your garden is with flowering plants. Plants such as: B. Eggnog, marigolds, elecampane, buckwheat and echinacea. Flowering herbs such as dill, fennel, parsley, thyme and mint are also magnets for predators. Grow these plants alongside your vegetables.
There are also birds that eat aphids on cucumber plants. Birds like titmice are the best animals to attract to eat large quantities of adult aphids.
How to combat aphids on cucumber plants with home remedies
Some home remedies are effective against aphids. You probably have these at home and it is very easy to remove the pests with home remedies.
Try essential oils
Gardeners know that essential oils are effective for getting rid of aphids. You can prepare a simple mixture yourself. Use 4 to 5 drops of peppermint, clove, rosemary and thyme and mix with 1 cup of water. Spray it daily on the cucumber plants with aphids. Repeat the process until all aphids are gone.
You can prevent aphid infestations with neem oil
This is one of the most effective ways to prevent aphids. Simply prepare a mixture of neem oil and water in a sprayer and apply it to your plants. For good results, spray your cucumbers several times before spring to destroy aphid eggs and repel adult aphids. Neem oil is not harmful; it does not kill hard-shelled beneficial insects and bees.
Fight aphids on cucumber plants with insecticidal soap
If large amounts of aphids infest your cucumbers, you can use a traditional remedyto combat aphidsuse, e.g. B. insecticidal soap. It consists of potassium and fatty acids and can kill aphids without harming plants, animals or people.
How to make your own insecticidal soap
You can make insecticidal soap with or without oil. Technically, oil is not necessary for the soap to work. However, adding oil increases the effectiveness of the spray and extends its shelf life.
How to make your insecticidal soap spray without oil:
Grab a clean spray bottle for your mixture. Mix 3 or 4 tablespoons of soap per liter of water and use the mixture immediately. When spraying, liberally drench both the top and bottom of the leaves and spray directly on any visible insects. The spray must come into direct contact with the pest to be effective.
Prepare an insecticidal soap with oil
It's so easy to make the mixture yourself with oil. Mix 1 tablespoon of soap with 1 cup of cooking oil and emulsify by shaking the jar vigorously. If using the mixture, mix 1 to 2 1/2 teaspoons of this base per 1 cup of water in a clean spray bottle and spray immediately. The same applies here: spray the plants generously from all sides.
