Combat Root Aphids – identify, treat, and prevent

What are root aphids?

Most aphids occur on the stem and on the leaves of the weed plant. But there is also a kind of louse that you do not see, so quickly, because they are underground. These are the root aphids. Root aphids injure your roots, they eat from them and thus leave behind an enzyme that makes your plant sick. Because the roots of your plant are damaged, the plant can absorb fewer nutrients, with all the negative consequences that this entails. Although they are only small animals, they can cause major problems. If you find root aphids in your growing place, it is important to take action immediately. They not only damage your plants, but they also multiply very quickly. So if you do not fight them, your entire garden will be full of these little bugs in no time.

Destroy all your plants after harvest

If you want to get rid of those filthy, tiny, measly bugs, you’ll have to remove your plants from your growing room after harvesting, and you’ll have to destroy them. Of course, nobody wants to start all over again to rebuild their growth room. But once you have root aphids in your garden, that’s really the only way. The tricky thing is that they are underground, at the roots. That is why it is difficult to get a population away from your plants and from your soil.

All methods are quite rigorous. They are treatments that go quite far, but there is little else to do when removing root aphids. Preventive measures are better, but once you have root aphids in your soil and at the roots of your plant, the problem is difficult to tackle.

There are pesticides based on citric acid. That is an effective organic method. Ask your garden center about this. You can also beat root aphids with hydrogen peroxide. Mix a small amount through your soil, but watch out that you do not use too much. The disadvantage is that it can also kill good microbes. Therefore, look for the correct dosage on the product packaging.

Many pesticides contain the fungus ‘Beauveria bassiana’. This fungus occurs naturally in soil and rooth aphids hate it.

If you want to save your precious plants, you will have to act quickly if you find rooth aphids in your garden. These annoying bastards don’t leave voluntarily, so do everything you can to get rid of them!


Don’t let root aphids eat the roots of your Habiba.


Root aphids might be small, but they can cause massive damage to your plants if left unchecked. Their ability to hide underground makes them particularly dangerous, and without prompt action, they can overrun your garden. The best approach is prevention, but if you do find these pests, act fast with organic treatments and be prepared for drastic measures. Your plants’ health depends on it!

FAQ

  1. How can I identify root aphids? Root aphids live underground and feed on the plant’s roots, so visible signs might include stunted growth, yellowing leaves, or nutrient deficiencies in your plants.
  2. What is the best treatment for root aphids? Organic pesticides based on citric acid or products containing the fungus Beauveria bassiana are effective treatments. Hydrogen peroxide can also work if used carefully.
  3. Can I save my plants after finding root aphids? Yes, but you need to act fast. Treat the infestation immediately, but if the damage is extensive, you might need to destroy the plants and start over to fully eliminate the aphids.

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