How to Rid Aphids with Wings on Tomato Plants

Tomato plants are a beloved addition to any home garden. Unfortunately, tomato plants are also highly susceptible to pest infestations. One of the most common pests that affect tomato plants is aphids. While aphids are small and easy to miss, they can quickly multiple and wreak havoc on your beloved tomato plants. To make matters worse, some aphids have wings which enable them to fly from one plant to another, making it even harder to get rid of them. In this article, we will outline some ways to rid aphids with wings on tomato plants.

Identify Aphids

The first step in getting rid of aphids with wings on tomato plants is to identify them. Aphids are tiny, pear-shaped insects that can be green, yellow, black, or brown in color. Some aphids also have wings. You may see them congregating on the undersides of leaves or at the tips of stems. They suck the juice from plants and release a sticky substance called honeydew which attracts ants and encourages the growth of mold.

Remove Infected Leaves

If the infestation is minimal to moderate, you can try removing the infected leaves. Carefully inspect your tomato plant and remove any leaves that have a significant number of aphids. You can either pluck the leaves off by hand or use pruning shears. Be sure to dispose of the leaves away from your tomato plants to prevent any further infestations.

Natural Remedies

Another way to rid aphids with wings on tomato plants is to use natural remedies. One of the most effective natural remedies is to introduce beneficial insects like ladybugs or lacewings into your garden. You can purchase these insects from your local garden center. Ladybugs and lacewings feed on aphids and will help to control the population. Another natural remedy is to spray your tomato plants with a mixture of dish soap and water. Simply mix 1 tablespoon of dish soap with 1 quart of water and spray the solution onto the leaves of your tomato plants. The soap will suffocate the aphids and they will fall off the plants. Be sure to spray the solution in the early morning or late evening when the sun is not shining directly on your plants to prevent any sun damage.

Chemical Remedies

If the infestation is severe and natural remedies have not worked, you may need to resort to chemical remedies. There are several insecticides available on the market that are effective in killing aphids. Be sure to choose an insecticide that is labeled for use on tomato plants and follow the instructions carefully. It is important to note that insecticides can harm beneficial insects as well, so use them sparingly and as a last resort.

Conclusion

In conclusion, tomato plants are prone to aphid infestations, which can be made worse by the presence of aphids with wings. However, with a bit of care and attention, you can rid aphids with wings on tomato plants. Identifying the aphids, removing infected leaves, using natural remedies like beneficial insects or soap and water, or resorting to chemical remedies if absolutely necessary, will help you get your tomato plants back to a healthy state.