In the case of fighting aphids, or plant lice, two homemade sprays have proven very effective: tomato leaf spray or garlic oil spray. While knowing how to make and use them is important, it’s equally important to understand why they work.

What can I spray to kill aphids?

Neem oil, insecticidal soaps, and horticultural oils are effective against aphids. Be sure to follow the application instructions provided on the packaging. You can often get rid of aphids by wiping or spraying the leaves of the plant with a mild solution of water and a few drops of dish soap.

What is the best product to kill aphids?

If insecticides are needed, insecticidal soaps and oils are the best choices for most situations. Oils may include petroleum-based horticultural oils or plant-derived oils such as neem or canola oil. These products kill primarily by smothering the aphid, so thorough coverage of infested foliage is required.