How to Get Rid of Aphids Naturally, According to Gardening Experts

If the leaves on your houseplants are suddenly yellowing and dropping, or if you've noticed greenish-white or black insects crawling on your houseplants, then there's a good chance you're dealing with aphids.

These small insects pierce plant tissue and siphon off sap, weakening plants and spreading disease, says Rachel McDonald, associate director of horticultural operations at Longwood Gardens. They also reproduce very quickly.

It's important to get rid of these pests, of course, but it's best to go the natural route and avoid using synthetic pesticides, which can harm humans and pets. Here, gardening experts share a few safe and effective ways to get rid of these nasty little suckers once and for all—without any harsh chemicals.

Catch Them Early

“For home gardeners, aphids often feel like an ambush—appearing suddenly, multiplying overnight, and compromising beloved houseplants,” says McDonald. That’s why catching them early is crucial, before they completely take over. To do this, regularly monitor your houseplants.

“Look closely at plants and you may spot clusters of tiny green, black, or white insects on the undersides of leaves or along stems,” she says. Aphids have pear-shaped bodies and leave behind white shed skins, sticky honeydew, and sometimes mold. Other signs include stunted plant growth, distorted foliage, and reduced vigor.

Go the Manual Route

As for treatment? “The easiest approach is to physically remove the aphids,” says Andrew Bunting, vice president of horticulture at the Pennsylvania Horticultural Society. You can either rub the aphids off with your fingers or knock them off by spraying them with water.

For stubborn bugs, wipe individual aphids with a cotton swab dipped in 70 percent isopropyl rubbing alcohol. “Persistence is key with any method,” says McDonald.

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Use Insecticidal Soap

For more serious infestations, insecticidal soap is a reliable option. “It suffocates aphids on contact and is highly effective when sprayed thoroughly on all plant surfaces every five to seven days,” says McDonald. Bunting emphasizes being thorough: “It's important to cover all parts of the plant.”

You can purchase pre-made insecticidal soap sprays at your local nursery or make your own by mixing one tablespoon of pure Castile soap with 3 to 4 cups of distilled water.

Try Neem Oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide derived from the seeds of the neem tree, and is frequently used in organic gardening. "It's both a repellent and disruptor of insect hormone systems, though it requires consistent application and good coverage to yield results," says McDonald. Like insecticidal soap, you can buy ready-to-use neem oil sprays at your local nursery, or mix up a batch at home.

Neem oil can cause your leaves to crisp up under the hot sun, so avoid using it during extreme heat or when it’s sunny out.

Introduce Beneficial Insects

Gardeners sometimes use beneficial insects to combat pests like aphids. While most beneficial insects are more suited to outdoor environments, not many people would enjoy parasitic wasps buzzing around inside their homes. Some options can work well indoors.

Ladybugs, for example, are natural predators of soft-bodied pests like aphids. They're also a bit more pleasant to have around, and are even said to bring good luck! 

Cut Your Losses and Start Fresh

If the infestation is severe, Bunting recommends cutting back the plant to remove heavily damaged areas, then treating it with insecticidal soap and allowing the plant to regrow. According to McDonald, the “point of no return” comes when the plant is so weakened that it can’t produce new growth—or the aphids keep returning.

Don't Rely on Unproven Home Remedies

As for unconventional methods? "Remedies based more in gardening folklore—such as placing banana peels in pots, spraying with essential oils not approved for horticultural use, or introducing companion plants indoors offer little protection against aphids," says McDonald.

Instead, stick to the tried-and-true methods recommended by professionals.