How to Use Orange Peels to Keep Aphids Out of Your Garden for Good

There are many insect pests gardeners deal with on a daily basis, but one of the most prolific is the aphid. Aphids are small, sap-sucking insects that quickly reproduce and damage a wide variety of plants. And unless you are routinely looking for them along the stems of your garden plants, you might not even know you have them, as these small, soft-bodied insects are less than 1 /8 inch long. The good news is that you can keep aphids away using various natural methods, including kitchen scraps. Ahead, pest professionals explain how to use orange peels to rid your garden of aphids once and for all.

Why Aphids Are Harmful to Plants

Aphids are detrimental to your garden because they drain plants of sap, often targeting new growth because it’s soft and easier to penetrate and feed on, says Gordon Doran, pest professional and CEO at Natran Green Pest Control. "Aphids can settle in very quickly, especially if you have an abundance of new growth in your garden," he adds. They drastically weaken plants as they establish, meaning they can become stunted or even die.

These insects typically invade gardens in spring, when the warm weather offers the perfect conditions for aphid colonies to flourish. One single aphid can produce dozens of offspring in a matter of days, says Doran.

But the most harmful aspect of an aphid infestation is that these pests are known vectors of pathogens. They cause incurable or difficult-to-treat diseases in many important food crops, says Tracy Ellis, an award-winning entomologist at FarmSense. "The combination of feeding damage, disease spread, and rapid reproduction makes aphids a challenging pest," she says.

Why Orange Peels Are an Effective Solution

While there are plenty of commercial pesticides designed to kill aphids, if you're looking for an all-natural approach, consider using orange peels. Oranges contain high concentrations of limonene, a natural compound found in citrus oils, Doran says. This compound is toxic to aphids and disrupts their ability to function. "When citrus peels are placed in your garden near plants, the strong scent can deter aphids from settling, helping to protect your plants," he adds.

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How to Use Orange Peels to Deter Aphids

To deter aphids in your garden, simply place fresh orange peels around the bases of your most vulnerable plants: those with new growth or buds. The scent fades fast, so ensure you replace the peels every few days to maintain their effectiveness. Swapping old peels for fresh ones will also prevent them from rotting in your garden, which can attract pests such as fruit flies, fungus gnats, and even small rodents, says Doran.

You can also use orange peels to make a citrus spray, says Ellis. For this, simmer the peels in boiling water, let the water cool, add a few drops of liquid dish soap as an emulsifier, and pour the mixture into a spray bottle. Apply the concoction on plants you know aphids like, such as the tips of growing roses. "Try it on a subset of plants to see if it works and to make sure it doesn’t damage the plant first," she advises.

Other Natural Methods for Deterring Aphids

Using orange peels alongside other natural methods will bolster your garden's resistance to aphids.

• Cover plants: Doran recommends covering vulnerable plants with a floating row cover, which allows them to receive water and sunlight while keeping harmful bugs at bay.
• Water with a strong jet stream: Spraying a strong jet of water onto plant foliage will help dislodge aphids. "This won't eliminate all the pests, but it may physically remove most of them and disrupt the colony," says Doran. Repeat this every few days to keep the numbers down (if your pants can withstand this much water).
• Use neem oil: Neem oil can be highly beneficial if you want to avoid synthetic chemicals, Doran notes. It works by interfering with the aphid's life cycle, preventing it from feeding and reproducing. "Dilute it with water and apply it directly to affected areas, making sure to coat the undersides of leaves where aphids tend to cluster," he says.
• Let nature work for you: Aphids have natural predators like ladybugs, lacewings, and certain parasitic wasps. Plant pollinator-friendly flowers to attract ladybugs into your garden. Once they’re there, they can help keep aphid numbers in check, says Doran.