Aphids are a problem worldwide. Instead of using chemicals to combat them, more and more hobby gardeners and garden owners are turning to home remedies such as baking soda to get rid of them. The application is based on a simple basic recipe that can be expanded at will depending on the infestation. All information about baking soda as a repellent against aphids, the effect and how to use it can be found here.
Table of Contents
effect
If it is baking powder, as is usually offered in German supermarkets, it has a dual effect against aphids.
CO2
Baking powder usually contains baking soda as the main ingredient. It serves as a source of carbon dioxide, making baking soda an ideal natural pest control without polluting the environment. Therefore, to use it effectively against aphids, it is important that it contains baking soda. Sometimes other substances are also used that ensure the production of carbon dioxide.
The carbon dioxide (CO2) releases poisonous gases, which make it difficult for the aphids to breathe. Many an aphid will flee immediately after being treated with baking soda. However, most other pests suffocate because respiratory paralysis occurs. A prerequisite for an effective effect is that a sufficiently high concentration is present. This means a minimum dose of baking soda must be present.
Toxic gases include:
- Phosphin
- Methyl bromide
- hydrogen cyanide
PH value
In addition, acidic agents can be found in baking powder, such as citric acid. If this gets into the body of the louse, the pH value changes to the acidic range. This leads to organ damage and subsequent organ failure.
time frame of effect
The effect of baking soda on the millimeter-sized lice sets in relatively quickly. The condition is that there is direct contact between the baking powder and the pests. The toxins from the CO2 must get into the body or be inhaled in sufficient doses. It takes anywhere from a few minutes to an hour or two for them to die. But that depends on how intensely you are “caught” by the baking soda and, as already mentioned, how high the dose is.
Crafting Basic Recipe
- One heaping tablespoon of baking soda per liter of water
- Mix both components well together
- Add a pinch of washing-up liquid (serves as an emulsifier/encourages the combination of water and baking soda)
Supplementary excipients
The infestation with the pests is extremely extensive? Or combating with the basic recipe keeps you waiting for the desired result? Then other excipients can be added to the baking soda dissolved in water. This intensifies/improves the effect.
Spirit
Alcohol increases the effect many times over and quickly causes the aphidoidea to die off. In addition, alcohol in the baking powder has the positive side effect that it also destroys ants , which often stay where aphids can be found. These are attracted by the sugary excretions of the aphid. A teaspoon of spirit is added to the baking powder and water mixture.
cooking oil
A teaspoon of cooking oil can be added to the liquid so that the baking soda-water mixture does not quickly drip off the affected plants. This gives the mixture more adhesion to the plant and especially to the annoying pests. This ensures that the natron and acidic agents are given sufficient time to affect/penetrate the pests.
curd soap
Curd soap ensures that the liquid solidifies and supports the adhesion of the baking powder to the plant and the leaf suckers. A quarter of a teaspoon of grated curd soap is added per liter of water and you wait a few minutes until it has dissolved in the water.
application
Once the liquid is made, you can use it against the aphids as follows:
- Pour into a spray container
- Set the sprayer to spray over a wide area
- Spray directly onto visible colonies on stalks and stems
- Then turn each leaf over and wet from below
- Always work from the bottom up
- Spray the plant all around again until dripping wet
- Every part of the plant can be reached from all sides
- Don’t forget the surface of the soil (to catch lice that have fallen or are fleeing due to the spray pressure)
- If necessary, repeat again after two to three days
