Root Aphids and How to Kill Them

There's good bugs and bad bugs, but then there are root aphids. 

Let's talk about root aphids and the problems that come with them. Then we can get into how to get rid of these little harmful insects that can ruin your garden.

Root Aphids are small and can cause a lot of potential damage to crops and different plants. They vary in color and size and reproduce at an alarming rate.

Often mistaken for nutrient deficiencies or over-watering due to the leaves drooping and turning yellow in color, root aphids can do a lot more damage.

These insects leave plants very vulnerable to root rot, mildew, and disease due to a weak immune system.

Just like humans, a plant's immune system needs to stay strong to thrive. This is why it's so important to know how to identify a root aphid problem and use the correct products to prevent and kill them.

Dealing with root aphids 

Enough of the bad, let's talk about some products that will help you win the fight!

A simple root drench of MGK Evergreen (AKA Pyganic) which are both pyrethrins based products will set back the colony. Follow this with Botaniguard Maxx or 22WP which also has beauveria bassiana.

This fungus is used as a biocontrol for soft body insects. Beauveria bassiana causes a disease known as the white muscadine in insects. As the fungus proliferates throughout the insect's body, it produces toxins and deprives insects of nutrients until they eventually die.

Another option is a product like Central Coast Root Cleaner, which uses alcohol and other ingredients to essentially dry out the insects.

You can also use Azadirachtin products like Azaguard, Azamax, Neemix, and Azasol the most concentrated of all as an anti-feedent. Always remember to reinoculate your roots and stop by one of our Cultivate to have all your root aphid questions answered fast.