12 Ways to Get Rid of Root Aphids | Pests Yard

Getting rid of root aphids is not an easy task. The causative agent is difficult to control, and the pest is not directly a plant pest. These insects cause damage by sucking sap from roots and sapping nutrients from leaves, causing stunted growth, delayed leaf mines, and plant death.

In milder cases, they may be tolerated by your plants as they have few effects on the overall health of your plants. In more severe cases, root aphids can stunt growth, weaken weak stems, and cause discoloration on leaves.

Because they live inside the soil and feed off the root of your plant, it takes time to detect their presence in your garden, making them dangerous pests.   

Root aphids are the bane of gardeners everywhere; they make your plant or garden ugly and hard to get rid of. This article discusses how to get rid of root aphids, including some natural options and organic ways to control them.

Identify the Problem – Are they Root aphids or Soil mites?

Soil mites and root aphids look alike and may have the same bad effect on your plant when not treated properly. Knowing the difference between these two pests will help you know the right way to tackle them. In most cases, soil mites are not seen as pests, unlike root aphids that can damage your plants when not controlled.

About Root Aphids

Root aphids are plant louse that feeds on the roots of plants. They are small (1/20th inch long), oval, and sometimes white, whitish yellow, or brown. Root aphids do not have wings, but they can grow some in their life when they become too populated in an area. Also, they do have a body covered with fine hairs.

They tend to be found in moist soil or damp areas where there’s a lot of organic matter in the soil. Root aphids do not spread diseases or harm your plants directly, but they can cause problems by slowing growth and leaving behind honeydew (excess liquid produced by aphids).

Honeydew can make its way into the soil, where it may attract ants or other pests that can attack your plants directly. Aphids suck plant juices, causing leaves and stems to turn yellow and wilt. They may also cause stunted growth or dieback if they’re not controlled.

They have piercing mouth parts that they insert into the roots of plants to suck out sap and eat the inside of the roots. Root aphids are also known to lay eggs in the soil, where they hatch into nymphs, then move away and feed on other plants. A female root aphid can produce up to 1000 offspring during its lifetime. If you have other types of aphids, check here to get rid of them.   

About Soil Mites

Soil mites are microscopic arthropods that live in the soil and feed on organic matter. They are often associated with a healthy lawn but can also be found in gardens, soils, and compost piles.

They’re not harmful to humans or animals, but when there are too many of them, they can cause harm to plants by sucking out their nutrients and causing them to become stressed out and not grow as well as they should. They are beneficial creatures that help create a healthy environment for plants.

Soil mites can be identified by looking at them under a microscope: they have six legs (three pairs) with claws at each end that allow them to climb. These mites are microscopic in size and range from 0.3 millimeters to 1 millimeter long, depending on the species, which means they’re really small.

They’re also known as “small red bugs,” but they don’t look like any other bug you’ve seen before because of their translucent bodies and yellowish-orange coloration.

Soil mites are present in all kinds of soil, but most prefer high organic soils with little or no clay content. They live on the surface of soil particles and often feed on dead plant matter in the soil and other living organisms, including bacteria and fungi.

Difference between root aphids and soil mites

The two species are very different, and you’ll have a much easier time controlling them if you can identify them.

1. Root aphids are soft-bodied and have a body length of 3–8 mm, while soil mites are hard-bodied, with a body length of 1–3 mm.
2. Root aphids are found on the roots of plants, while soil mites live in the soil.
3. Root aphids have eight legs, while soil mites have six legs.
4. Root aphids can move quickly between plants, while soil mites cannot travel very far and stay within a small area where they live.
5. A plant infected with root aphids will show symptoms such as yellowing or browning of leaves, while a plant infested with soil mites will show symptoms such as deformation of leaves or stunted growth.
6. The symptoms of a root aphid infestation include stunted growth, yellowing leaves and stems, and small pale yellow or white spots on the underside of leaves; while soil mites infestation results in small yellowish-white specks on the leaves of your plants, as well as a variety of other symptoms including wilting, leaf burn or dieback, curled leaves and stunted growth.

Both root aphids and soil mites reproduce through mating; however, they do so differently. Root aphids produce one offspring per generation, while soil mites produce multiple offspring per generation. Many pests behave similarly like aphids, thrips are one of them, check the difference between thrips and aphids.  

How do plants get root aphids? 

Where do root aphids come from? The most common way plants get root aphids is through the soil. The aphid can get inside the plant’s roots through cracks and crevices, which various factors can cause.

You might see root aphids on your plants if you have poor drainage in your garden or yard. This can lead to water damage and rot in the soil, allowing animals like ants and voles to move in and start spreading the aphids around.

You can prevent this problem by using gravel or pebbles under your mulch layer to keep it from getting washed away by rainwater when it falls on top.

Pests can spread from one plant to another via seeds or other plant parts. Parasitic wasps and flies also transmit root aphid infestations from one plant to another.

Plants can get root aphids by being exposed to the aphid’s eggs, which are laid in the soil. The aphids can travel between plants by crawling or flying, but many stay close to their host plants’ roots.

They are often introduced into gardens as hitchhikers on other plants or by traveling with humans who bring them. Once released, they can spread quickly across an entire lawn or garden.

Plants get root aphids from their environment. Root aphids come from the soil and make their way into the plant via its roots. They can be found in soil, compost, mulch, or other plants.

If you find an aphid on your plant’s leaves, it’s likely that it came from outside the area or was brought in by wind or rain. You can also check for eggs on nearby plants, these hatches and become aphids.

Signs of root aphids

If you see these aphids in your garden, it is time to inspect your plants and take steps to remedy the problem on your own. Below are some signs that can help you identify root aphids to take action quickly.

Aphids are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on the phloem and cambium of plants. They are found in many different environments worldwide but most often in warm, humid climates. Signs of root aphids include 

• Hemorrhaging of soil and leaves
• Crusty growths around the base of your plants
• Wilting plants
• Stop new growth and discoloration of leaves with dark spots.
• Your plant begins to die back.
• Leaves curling inward or becoming curled and distorted in shape.
• Leaves with holes or holes that have an irregular shape
• Leaf tips turn yellow and die.
• Presence of ants around your plants
• Visibility of sticky substance (honeydew) on the stems; it’s produced by the plant’s feeding process through which it absorbs nutrients from its surroundings through its roots.

If you have noticed soft white aphids with long antennae on your roses and prized annuals, these are signs of root aphids. If you find that these are rapidly increasing in numbers and appear on all of your plants, it means that there’s also damage to your roots.

There are many ways to get rid of these pests, but it depends on your methods and your available time to tackle them in your garden. 

How to get rid of root Aphids

Proper watering

Proper watering is the most common way to get rid of root aphids. The best way to water your plants is to ensure that the soil has enough moisture. If you have too little moisture in your soil, it will be difficult for your plants to absorb the right amount of nutrients and chemicals. This can cause your leaves to become thin or yellowed and slow growth.

On the other hand, if you have too much water on your plants, they can rot from excess moisture in their roots. So make sure that you don’t overwater.

You should also be careful about how much water your plant needs. Aphids will only thrive if they can feed on your plant’s roots. If you have been watering too much or too little, this will allow them to thrive even more.

Do a soil treatment.

One of the best ways to get rid of root aphids is to use a soil treatment. The process involves mixing water with one or more organic acids, which can be purchased at any garden store or online. For example, some products contain sulfur, phosphoric acid, and potassium bicarbonate (baking soda). You can also make your recipe by combining equal parts of these with water for use in your garden.

The mixture will help kill any eggs in the soil and prevent them from hatching into new aphids. It will also keep them from multiplying rapidly while they’re still alive, so you won’t have to worry about more coming up later on down the line.

Companion planting

Companion planting is a gardening technique that involves adding beneficial plants to your garden so that they can help kill off any unwanted pests and diseases.

One of the best ways to companion plant is with garlic, onions, and other members of the allium family. These plants produce toxic chemicals and smell to many insects and other pests, including root aphids. If you grow these plants near the plants in your garden where you find aphids, then you can use them to prevent these insects from getting into your garden by climbing onto the leaves or stems of their hosts.

Another method for companion planting involves adding marigolds or other flowers that attract parasitic wasps into areas with aphids. These wasps will lay eggs on the bodies of aphids and then kill them by injecting venom into their bodies.

This method can also be used if you want to keep other pests away from certain parts of your garden; just make sure that you don’t include too many flowers in any area so that they don’t compete with each other or overgrow into each other’s territory.

Some plants that are good companions include:

• Garlic
• Dill
• Oregano
• Sage
• Chives

Avoid using too much fertilizer.

If you have a lot of root aphids, it’s likely because you’ve been overfertilizing. Root aphids love nitrogen, so they will thrive if you use too much nitrogen in your garden. You can combat this by using less fertilizer or compost instead of chemical fertilizers.

If you want to avoid unnecessary water consumption, use less fertilizer, but ensure it’s the right kind. Also, using too much fertilizer will build up in the soil and weaken the plants.

When that happens, the plant’s roots can’t take up as much water and nutrients from the soil, so that they won’t grow.

You should also avoid using liquid fertilizers on your plants. These are especially risky because they can seep into the soil and harm your plants’ roots if they don’t have enough drainage. Instead, use a slow-release fertilizer or apply it directly to the surface of the dirt.

Use Neem oil

Neem oil is a natural pesticide used to treat many plants and pests. It has been used for centuries in India to control pests on apple trees, mango trees, and more.

It’s also considered safe for humans and pets to use around the home. You can apply neem oil directly to the plant or even use it as a spray on your clothing or tools.

The neem oil will kill most insects within 24 hours after it is applied. However, too much neem oil or neem spray will kill your plants. 

You’ll need neem oil and a spray bottle (or any other spray bottle). The first step is to put one teaspoon of neem oil in your spray bottle. Then add two cups of water to it and shake well. After that, you can spray your plants with this mixture whenever you see aphids on them.

Use Horticultural oil

It’s safe, natural, and effective; you only need a few drops in the water. This oil is an organic pesticide that kills aphids, mites, and whiteflies. It’s also a great way to control scale insects.

It is made from a blend of mineral oils and other ingredients, including coconut and soybean oil. Mix one part of horticultural oil with four parts of water to make a solution that removes horticultural oil. Then pour the mixture into a spray bottle and spray the area where you’ve noticed the root aphids. You’ll need to reapply this solution every few days until they’re gone.

Use Vinegar

Vinegar is a natural, organic solution that kills off insects and germs. Vinegar will kill the root aphids on your plants, but it can hurt your plant when you apply too much. 

To kill roots, use white vinegar with water. The mixture can be sprayed on the affected area or used as a dipping sauce for your plants.

Mix 2 parts water and 1 part vinegar in a spray bottle. Spray the mixture onto your plants every day for ten days until all of the aphids are gone.

Hydrogen peroxide

This works very well on aphids because it kills them by suffocating them, which means they’ll die without feeding off other plants. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with four cups of water in a spray bottle, and apply it around your plants where you can see aphids.

The hydrogen peroxide will kill them by oxidizing the hemolymph or blood of the aphids. Hydrogen peroxide can also be sprayed directly onto plants, but ensure you protect your hands and eyes.

Use insecticidal soap with water.

The best way to get rid of root aphids is to use insecticidal soap with water. The soap will kill the aphids and their eggs, so you don’t have to worry about other insects or pathogens in contact with your plants.

If you’re using liquid insecticidal soap, mix 1/4 cup of insecticidal soap per gallon of water. Pour the solution into a spray bottle and shake well before using.

If you’re using a granular insecticide, mix 1 cup of granular insecticide per gallon of water. Pour into a spray bottle and shake well before using.

Make sure that you keep the spray nozzle pointed away from the leaves of your plants when spraying the treatment onto the soil around your seedlings so that you don’t accidentally damage them.

Beneficial nematodes

These beneficial nematodes are tiny worms that feed on root aphids and their eggs, and they help keep the population under control. They also can help prevent the spread of disease-causing fungi.

You want to make sure that you apply these nematodes on time. The best time is when your plants are actively growing so that they can absorb the nematodes and start the cycle of feeding and reproduction. You should also ensure adequate moisture in your soil when using these beneficial nematodes.

They have a probiotic effect on your soil, making it more fertile and better able to support plant growth. They also help prevent insect infestations by feeding off harmful insect larvae before they mature into adults.

You can buy beneficial nematodes in most home improvement stores, such as Lowe’s or Home Depot. However, if you’re unsure where to find them, you can buy them online through Amazon or an eCommerce site like Overstock. Check here for how to apply beneficial nematodes to your plants.  

Baking soda spray

Baking soda spray is a great way to get rid of root aphids. It can be used on plants and in soil. Baking soda contains sodium bicarbonate, an ionic compound that kills root aphids.

Spray the plant with baking soda and then water it or let it sit for several hours before watering again. After this, you should notice a decrease in the number of aphids on your plant or in your soil area.

It is a great way to get rid of root aphids, but it won’t work if you don’t know how to use it.

First, mix one part baking soda with two parts water in a spray bottle. Fill the rest of the bottle with warm water. Then shake well and spray the mixture on your plants.

Destroy affected plants.

If, after trying all these options above and you still have aphids in your garden, it is time to take the ultimate step. You love your plants and don’t want to kill them, but removing any infested plants from your garden is the best way forward.

You must destroy all the affected plants to stop the aphid from spreading. If you have a greenhouse, moving the affected plants into another part of the greenhouse may be possible, and then spray them with insecticidal soap.

You can remove affected plants by digging up the entire plant or individual roots.

If you do this, make sure that you do not spray any other types of pesticides or chemicals on your plants since they can harm the aphids and the rest of your plants.

Soil drench for root aphids

Soil drench for root aphids is a mixture of chemicals that you apply to the soil around your plants. The chemical mixture contains an insecticide and a plant growth regulator. The insecticide kills aphids but also affects other beneficial insects that are important to your garden.

The plant growth regulator allows the roots of plants to absorb the chemicals more easily, which helps to kill off aphids and their larvae while also preventing the spread of disease between different plants in your garden.

It’s easy to use, and you can apply it directly to your plants or use soil drench as part of a pre-plant treatment program.

To apply soil drench, follow these steps:

1. Select the appropriate insecticide according to the label instructions.
2. Dissolve the insecticide in water using a watering can or sprayer.
3. Soak cotton balls or small pieces of filter paper in the solution and place them around each plant’s base with exposed roots (e.g., rosebushes).
4. Keep plants watered regularly during active infestation periods; apply 1/4 inch of water around each plant every 7-10 days, depending on weather conditions (more water will be required during hot weather).

Use a commercial root aphid insecticide

Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules

Bonide Systemic House Plant Insect Control Granules are a safe, natural solution for controlling infestations of soft-bodied insects and spiders. The granules introduce into the soil, where they release their toxin in an Active ingredient: Pyrethrins (1.8%)

This insecticide help reduce the damage caused by insects such as whiteflies, spider mites, thrips, and aphids. They will also help control mealybugs, mites, and scales on houseplants. The granules are made from premium-quality ingredients and will add a nice scent during use.

Bonide’s new Systemic Insect Control Granules provide effective and long-lasting protection against insects. They are guaranteed to kill all listed insect species for one full year, which gives you peace of mind when you have a pest problem. These granules excel at deep penetration and will not affect other plants in the garden.

BioAdvanced Insecticide Fungicide Miticide Insect

The advanced 701290B Insecticide Fungicide Miticide 3-in-1 Insect Killer includes the components needed to kill and eliminate ants, beetles, roaches, earwigs, and silverfish. This spray kills mites, ticks, and lice that also prey on humans.

With pheromone activators for effectiveness against pests like ants, Cheylrauthon ace (1% – 4%). For use in all homes, including the agricultural industry and greenhouses. It is safe to use around children and pets. The spray packs are great for lawns and gardens and around the home.

Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench

Compare-N-Save Systemic Tree and Shrub Insect Drench is a systemic insecticide that effectively controls numerous wood-destroying pests on plants and trees. It is a ready-to-use concentrate containing the active ingredient imidacloprid at a rate of 1.2% w/w v/v. It protects newly planted and established trees, shrubs, and vines.

Imidacloprid is an insect growth regulator (IGR) that prevents adults and eggs from shedding their skins after spraying on plants. It is also important in integrated pest management programs since it will help suppress many wood-damaging insects and biological controls such as lady beetles and parasitic wasp larvae (parasitic nematodes).

How to get rid of root aphids in hydroponics

Getting rid of root aphids in your hydroponics system can be a challenge. Luckily, you can use a few tried-and-true methods to get rid of these pests.

The first step is ensuring the problem isn’t too severe. If you have only a few aphids in your hydroponics system, you’ll probably be able to remove them without difficulty. However, having hundreds or thousands of aphids will take more time and effort than just squishing them with your fingers (which is what most people do).

You may consider using insecticidal soap or neem oil on your plants. This will help prevent any new aphids from moving into your system. It will also help kill off existing ones so they cannot reproduce anymore

Another option is to use an insecticide spray on your plants and their roots for an even stronger solution. However, these sprays can be very harmful if used improperly, so make sure that you follow all instructions carefully when applying them. 

If you suspect you have root aphids, here’s what you need to do:

1. Remove any organic matter from around your reservoir. This will help prevent them from laying eggs inside it.
2. Check the pH level of your water and adjust your nutrient solution if it’s too high or too low.
3. Check the temperature of your water and adjust if necessary (but don’t raise it too high).
4. Inspect all plants for signs of damage from these pests, and remove any plants that look sickly or damaged from pests like root aphids as soon as possible.

How to get rid of root aphids FAQs

Will dish soap kill root aphids?

Dish soap effectively kills soft-bodied and hard-bodied insects like aphids, but it’s important to know how to use it correctly so you don’t accidentally damage your plants.

Dish soap has a lot of detergents, which you want to use to get rid of root aphids. The detergent can dissolve their exoskeleton and kill them.

But dish soap also has other ingredients designed to clean your dishes, like citric acid and sodium hydroxide. These ingredients can damage your plants and make them sick, so avoid using dish soap on your plants unless you want them to be damaged.

There are a few different ways to use dish soap when fighting off aphids:

1. Soak the area in dish soap solution for 15 minutes before spraying directly onto the plant with a hand pump sprayer (or if you have something like this, just hold the hose over the plant). Make sure not to get any liquid into the hose, or else you could damage your equipment.
2. Spray directly on plants with a hand pump sprayer as above and sit for 20 minutes before rinsing thoroughly with water from a hose or garden hose.

How long does it take to get rid of root aphids?

It depends on the type of aphid. Some can be killed in one day, while others can take up to three weeks, but they’ll all be gone within a few days of treatment.

If you don’t want to spray or use insecticide, you can try natural remedies like neem oil or garlic extract. These are less harsh than insecticides and will generally work better for smaller infestations (like the ones from aphids).

What temperature kills root aphids?

A high enough temperature will kill your root aphids. To get a higher temperature, you need to increase the amount of sun exposure, which means having a more open garden space if possible. For example, if you have a small raised bed in your garden and it’s shady, try moving it into the sun and see if that helps your aphids die off. If not, then maybe your problem isn’t with insufficient sun exposure, maybe it’s too much shade. Try moving it into a sunny spot until you find out what works best for you.

The best temperature for killing root aphids is 85 and 95 degrees Fahrenheit. Aphid eggs will not survive outside this range, and the adults won’t survive for long at any temperature around this range.

The exact temperatures you need to kill them will vary depending on how cold it is where you live and what species of aphid you’re dealing with.