:max_bytes(150000):strip_icc()/GettyImages-2192598464-69ab8818bfcc4d4ca1c41da4e593ee4d.jpg?ssl=1 "The One Thing You Should Do Right Now to Keep Aphids From Coming Back Next Year, a Pro Shares")
Key Points
- To get rid of aphids, wash plants thoroughly and repeatedly throughout the fall.
- Selectively prune heavily infested branches of trees or shrubs.
- Keep your yard and garden clean of debris to reduce aphid harborage sites.
As temperatures drop in the fall, aphids, like other garden pests, are less active, but don’t be fooled by appearances. Aphids overwinter as eggs on plants or in the soil, as adults in milder climates, or hitchhike and overwinter indoors on tender plants that you bring in for the winter.
To prevent aphids from returning in the spring, follow these expert tips.
The Best Thing to Do to Keep Aphids From Returning
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As entomologist Emma Grace Crumbley explains, most aphids overwinter as eggs on plants. This means that aphid infestations in the spring are likely the result of the previous year’s eggs.
To prevent aphids from returning in full force to your garden, she recommends washing your plants and keeping them well-maintained throughout the fall and winter.
“This can be as simple as spraying them with water to knock off aphid eggs and adults, or as involved as scrubbing plants with neem oil or castile soap,” Crumbley says. “Wash your plants thoroughly but not roughly, just enough to knock off pests but not so hard that the plant is damaged in the process.”
As for frequency, wash plants every other day or at least three times a week while it’s still warm and aphids are still active. Once temperatures consistently drop below 50°F or when plants are moved indoors, Crumbley recommends washing them thoroughly once a month.
If there is a localized infestation of aphids on just one branch, she advises trimming only the affected area but otherwise abstaining from more extensive pruning late in the season.
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Other Preventative Aphid Control
Good garden hygiene, even during the fall and winter months, is crucial for minimizing harborage areas for both overwintering aphid eggs and adults, according to Crumbley.
In cooler climates, most plants are dormant so regular maintenance mostly consists of removing old crops and keeping garden beds free of debris. Where winters are mild, Crumbley also lists watering and weeding as important measures to keep the garden healthy.
One thing Crumbley does not favor is planting marigolds against aphids.
“Marigolds are often discussed as natural pest-deterring plants; however, they do not deter aphids. In fact, they are among the preferred food sources of aphids,” she explains.
Because of the aphids’ fast reproduction and ability to disperse quickly to other plants, Crumbley recommends focusing on reducing the pest’s harborage sites as opposed to introducing marigolds or other companion plants in the fall.
5 Other Ways to Keep Pests from Overwintering
If you’re sick of garden pests and want to guarantee they won’t return, try combining washing plants with any—or all—of these other pest control methods to keep them from overwintering.
Continue With Your Pest Management Plan
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“Many homeowners assume the threat of mosquitoes, ticks and other pests stop once fall starts, so they stop pest control services and outdoor precautions too early. This leaves yards and homes vulnerable,” Crumbley says.
Inspect Indoor Harborage Areas
Many seasonal invaders seeking overwintering spots can enter your home even through the tiniest cracks and gaps, according to Crumbley. She urges homeowners to seal areas around doors, windows, plumbing penetrations, attics, and crawl spaces.
Keep Your Outdoor Spaces Tidy
Crumbley emphasizes the importance of a tidy yard. Trimming vegetation around the foundation, keeping the grass short, and removing large patches of ivy and weeds eliminates overwintering opportunities for pests.
Relocate Leaf Litter and Wood Piles
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Leaf litter, wood piles, and other yard debris offer shelter not only to pests but also to beneficial insects and wildlife. There is a way to help the good guys overwinter without harboring pests.
“Relocate these piles to an area in your yard that is away from your home and other structures, such as sheds or neighboring houses,” Crumbley says.
Dispose of Fall Decorations
Seasonal decor like pumpkins and gourds also unintentionally invite an infestation of creepy crawlers. It is important to dispose of them properly (in the trash or compost) once they have served their purpose.