When it comes to gardening, insects can be your worst nightmare. Insects like the various root aphids species (family Phylloxera according to Organic Pest Control) leach nutrition and moisture from your plants by attacking their roots, leaving plants yellowed and unhealthy in otherwise ideal conditions. Controlling root aphids can revive withered plants affected by the insects. If root aphids are prevented or eliminated before they damage roots, your plants will stay heartier and healthier. Show
Identifying and Treating Root AphidsRelatives of the more visible leaf aphids (Hemiptera according to Missouri Botanical Garden), root aphids are white to light green in color, but you may not notice the actual bugs. Instead, you may notice the white, powdery, waxlike substance they leave behind on your plant's roots. Root aphids do not only attack outdoor plants and crops, but also can be indoor plants' pests. If you don't want to destroy your infested indoor plants, you can bake the soil in the oven or use black plastic over the soil to raise the soil temperature high enough to kill root aphids. Outside, using broad spectrum insecticides adversely impacts beneficial insect population so those chemicals are not recommended for use against aphids according to University of California Agriculture and Natural Resources. Instead, beneficial nematodes, tiny parasitic worms that infect many soil-dwelling insects like root aphids, are a natural way to control garden pests without harming earthworms, ladybugs and other beneficial species, according to Garden Insects, and without creating a toxic environment for you and your family. Pyrethrum-based sprays, although best used early during an infestation, also provides an environmentally safer treatment for root aphids. Although pyrethrum is not toxic to animals or people, it can produce skin irritation in sensitive or allergic people or animals. Keep children and animals away from treated plants for 24 hours after application to minimize this risk. Like any other chemical, natural or synthetic, be sure to follow all directions and precautions. Root Aphid Treatment: Beneficial Nematodes
Root Aphid Treatment: Pyrethrum
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