Aphids infested these chives. What should I do? - Ask Extension
This morning I discovered my potted chives had been infested by what looks like aphids. The pot is next to other potted herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, ...
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Aphids infested these chives. What should I do? #874078
Asked June 21, 2024, 1:17 PM EDT
This morning I discovered my potted chives had been infested by what looks like aphids. The pot is next to other potted herbs (rosemary, sage, thyme, cilantro and parsley). Should I dispose of the infested chives and the pot they were in? How can I prevent the aphids from infesting other plants, both in the pots and in the vegetable garden beds a few feet away?
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
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Hi Kjerstin and thanks for your question and the picture of your black aphid laden chives. No! You don't need to ditch the plant to save its neighbors! Aphids can be removed with a strong stream of water from a hose and chive plants are sturdy enough to take this treatment. If you feel like doing more, you can use an insecticidal soap as well.
Obviously the aphids are most attracted to this plant, which might be because it has been stressed somehow, but I would still move it away from the other pots before you hose them off. Then just sit and wait for the lady bugs or other aphid-loving predators to move in. They will not look like the cute little beetles at first because at the larval stage they are more like teeny tiny black alligators. But come they will, and you can be proud to know you are helping with the life cycle of one of our favorite pest controls.
Great picture of aphids on chives!
Obviously the aphids are most attracted to this plant, which might be because it has been stressed somehow, but I would still move it away from the other pots before you hose them off. Then just sit and wait for the lady bugs or other aphid-loving predators to move in. They will not look like the cute little beetles at first because at the larval stage they are more like teeny tiny black alligators. But come they will, and you can be proud to know you are helping with the life cycle of one of our favorite pest controls.
Great picture of aphids on chives!
