Although aphids have a reputation for being harmful, sap-sucking pests that wreak havoc on the garden, these insects aren’t always a bad thing. In fact, aphids can be beneficial to the surrounding ecosystem. These small, soft-bodied insects are a major foundation of the food chain and help welcome essential pollinators to your garden, such as birds and ladybugs. Ahead, garden experts share why aphids might actually be the garden pal you didn’t know you needed—and when you should send them packing.
Meet the Experts
Amy McCord, expert gardener and the owner of two online floral companies, including Flower Moxie
Related: How to Get Rid of Aphids Naturally, According to Gardening Experts
Should You Kill Aphids?
Aphids are often treated as a garden problem, but they are typically only an issue when there is population overgrowth, says Amy McCord, expert gardener. “While an aphid infestation can absolutely damage plants, a small aphid population actually helps a garden’s ecosystem,” she says.
Ways Aphids Help the Garden
While it’s true that aphids do feed on garden plants, they can be good for the garden in small numbers. Here’s how.
They Feed Beneficial Insects
Aphids are a food source for the bugs you actually want in your garden, says McCord. “So, eliminating all aphids can eliminate natural predators that eat aphids and other bugs, such as ladybugs, lacewings, hoverflies, and parasitic wasps,” she says.
They Support Ants
Aphids inspire ants, also known as garden cleaners, to visit your landscape. “Aphids have a symbiotic relationship with ants, who guard them in exchange for their honeydew,” says sustainable landscape designer Brooke Addison. Honeydew is what aphids make after dining on the sap of garden plants. While ants are often overlooked or villainized in gardening circles, they serve important functions in the garden. “Ants prey on other insects, contribute to soil aeration, clean up debris, and bring organic matter into the soil.”
They Feed Birds
Aphids are also a good source of nutrition for birds in the spring and summer, who need all the energy they can get to prepare for nesting season, says Addison. Plus, welcoming birds to your garden encourages pollination, which is essential for a thriving ecosystem.
How to Manage Aphids
Too many aphids can have a negative effect on your garden’s overall health. Here’s how to keep your aphid population in check so they can continue helping—not harming—your landscape.
Dislodge Them With Water
If your plants start to decline due to an aphid infestation, a hard spray of water will dislodge them. “While they can spread quickly because of their reproduction rates and wind migration, individual aphids move slowly,” says Addison. Consequently, a quick spritz of water from your hose will send these insects flying. Disoriented, the bugs will take their time moving onto something else.
Use Sticky Tape
You can also try the tape method, Addison says. This involves wrapping tape around your garden glove with the sticky side out and using it to remove aphids from your plants. Do this slowly and carefully to avoid damaging flowers and foliage. Once you’ve captured enough aphids, remove the tape and discard the insects.
Add Plants That Attract Beneficial Insects
Grow plants that attract beneficial bugs, such as butterfly weed, dill, yarrow, alyssum, fennel, and calendula. “These support a variety of critters like adult hoverflies, lacewings, and parasitic wasps, and they will naturally reduce the aphid population,” says McCord.
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