Aphids can be a real pain for gardeners, but there’s a simple solution to stop them attacking your roses – and all you need is two ingredients
Sophie Harris and Chloe Dobinson
05:27 ET, 26 Jun 2025
Aphid tends to wreak havoc on our beloved roses(Image: Asia-Pacific Images Studio via Getty Images)
Gardeners on social media are buzzing about the pesky aphid problem that tends to wreak havoc on our beloved roses in the summertime, sucking sap and causing all sorts of unsightly issues.
But worry not, savvy garden enthusiasts have been sharing their top tips for battling these tiny critters. A post from Dana Dobrescu on the David Austin Roses Facebook page said: “What do you recommend for my aphid infestation? All my roses are under attack. I used a commercial spray, but it was useless.”
Accompanied by a snapshot of her rose swarmed with aphids, she sparked a cascade of advice from fellow green thumbs.
A gardener asked for advice which sparked a cascade of advice from fellow green thumbs(Image: Getty)
Many endorsed a simple DIY concoction, reports the Express, like Linda Moran’s suggestion: “Spray with washing up liquid and water mixed together.”
Meanwhile, Jill Heiman offered an alternative: “You could leave them for the ladybugs to eat, but if it’s really getting to you, mix washing up liquid and water. Spray the rose and watch aphids slide off.”
Experts remind us though, too much soap can be bad for your garden’s health, so apply this homemade remedy moderately and carefully.
If you’re tired of aphids crashing your garden party, it might be time to roll out the welcome mat for some ladybugs.
If aphids get too cozy there is a simple solution at hand(Image: Getty)
As explained by David Austin Roses: “In most cases, aphids are best left alone. They’re an important food source for ladybirds, hoverflies and other beneficial insects and play a crucial role in your garden’s ecosystem.”
However, if aphids get too cozy, a simple solution is at hand: “If their numbers increase, a strong spray of water is usually enough to reduce them.”
Moreover, with a green thumb’s touch: “You can also gently rub them away or encourage natural predators by planting companion plants like parsley, yarrow or nasturtiums.”
Do you have any recommended tips for getting rids of aphids, let us know in the comments below.