Yes, neem oil has been proven to be very effective against aphids.
Aphids are small soft bodied sap sucking insects. They come from the superfamily Aphidoidea.
Over 4,000 different types of aphids have been identified and 250 of those are unwanted plant pests. They have many common names that include :
- greenfly
- blackfly
- woolly aphid
- Wooly apple
- Woolly beech
- Giant Willow
- Black bean
- Elder
- cypress aphid
Aphids can come in different colours – black, brown, red and green for example. Some aphids have wings and can relocate to another plant should one area become crowded. They reproduce at a rapid rate so gaining control of the infestation is important.
You will probably need to apply a neem oil based solution to your infected plants over a course of 5-7 days. The best neem oil solution would be one diluted in a free smelling soap and water. Apply it directly and liberally to the aphid covered leaves, stems & flowers, anywhere the aphids gather on the plant would need to be tended.
To further help deter aphids, try employing some natural live pest control. Aphids are preyed on by ladybirds and lacewings. You can entice these into your garden by planting plants that produce nector or pollen.
Is neem oil a good aphid treatment for fruit trees ?
Yes! Neem oil is good and safe treatment for dealing with aphids on fruit trees.
Are fruits and vegetables treated with neem oil safe to eat?
Neem oil is safe to use on all edible plants. It is non-toxic when used to treat plants that bare fruits and vegetables.
However, owing to its bitter taste, it is not recommended to be used if you plan on eating the plants with 24 hours. After that time period, the taste should have disappeared.
Can neem oil be used on tomatoes?
Yes. Neem oil works both as a pesticide and a fungicide, so is helpful when it comes to protecting your growing tomatoes.
It works on arthropod pests, such as aphids and whiteflies that will eat your tomato plants. It also acts against common fungi that attack vegetables, including mildews and leaf spots.
Make sure to spray your plants in the evenings when the temperature has dropped. Spraying in the day when the temperatures are high could result in a cooking effect.