What is the best way to get rid of aphids without using chemicals?

Question

What is the best way to get rid of aphids without using chemicals?

Answer 1

Aphids....try putting it in the sink or tub and wash it gently  with a soapy water  make sure you get under the leaves  rinse it good.  Soap is the best you can do.Any soap mixed with water  give it a good bath.

Answer 2

For my roses I use two methods. First is quick and easy-a spray bottle (any used bottle like a windex or other variable control nozzle sprayer, well rinsed) with a proper mixture of Insecticidal Soap.  This is an organic mix that you can buy commercially or find home made recipes several places on the web.  When I have time and patience, I use simple water.  I use the hose with a spray nozzle gun and gently spray each bud, and leaves top and bottom.  Hold the bud gently and direct the spray at it.  You want to physically remove the little critters, and wash them down.  They do not seem to like the cold water, and after the cold shower a couple weekends in a row, they are greatly reduced. Plus the water goes to good use watering the plants.  

I recommend doing this on a warm afternoon, but not too hot as roses may not like the steam treatment that a hot sun could produce. But I have never seen any adverse affect of spraying my roses this way, only a great reduction of the aphids.

Of course if you also have rust or mildew this will not remove it and you may need to use more specific chemicals to treat that.

Answer 3

grow chives and garlic amongst the plants,they don't like the smell, also ladybirds love to eat them

Answer 4

Ladybugs!!!!  The county next to where I live dumps them from choppers in the fall and they winter at my house.  I don't have any aphids tho.  Hope this helps.