There are a few facts that everyone agrees on: Most aphids live on or under the leaves of plants, piercing them and extracting sap, which can cause leaves to deform or curl up . Grey-white root aphids, on the other hand, live in the soil and can attack plants causing them to suddenly wilt and die.

How do I get rid of aphids in my soil?

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. Soapy water should be reapplied every 2-3 days for 2 weeks.

Can aphids live in potting soil?

Since aphids lay eggs in the soil that are microscopic, they can re-infest any plant before you know they are there. If you have lost a plant due to an aphid infestation it is generally not a good idea to reuse the soil, but to start over with sterile soil and a pot and saucer that has been cleaned well.