Oleander Aphids

Most commonly found on Milkweed, Oleander aphids, while normally not a problem, can reek havoc on your plants if the population is left unchecked. Other than hi-jacking your Monarchs buffet, they excrete a shiny yellow substance called “Honeydew” that can lead to the development of a powdery looking sooty mold. Normally your local lady bugs and wasps will clear out your aphid problem, but due to cardenolide toxins from the milkweed most predators avoid them.

Milkweed is a hardy plant, and planting and keeping it well watered is typically the best medicine for keeping your plant strong enough to withstand the aphids. DO NOT fertilize your milkweed as nitrogen encourages faster reproduction in aphids. To control your invasion, a dish soap solution or Neem oil is effective in smothering aphids but if you’re hosting caterpillars this is not recommended as they will also suffocate.

The best method, though tedious, is to manually remove aphids from the plant. Using a gloved hand to squish the pests will ensure no caterpillars are harmed. Aphids will typically congregate at tender new growth which can be clipped and disposed of. After clearing the infestation hose the plant down with water well to prevent molding honeydew. Continue treatment as needed if aphids return.