DIY Aphid Spray for Immediate Results (Safe for Veggies & Herbs)
Last Updated on June 5, 2025 by Kiersten
This homemade aphid spray gets rid of aphids fast without damaging your plants. Safe to use on fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Does not contain vinegar or chemicals.
Aphids are sneaky. One day your plants look great, the next they’re covered in tiny bugs bunched together under what seems like every leaf and on every allium stalk.
I’ve dealt with them on everything from chives and string beans to basil and ornamental trees. If you don’t catch them early, they spread SO fast.
This is the spray I use when I see signs of an infestation. It’s safe to use on fruit trees, vegetables, flowers, herbs, and works without harming bees, butterflies, or the good bugs we actually want hanging around.
Why You Don’t Want Aphids Around
Aphids are drawn to new, soft growth. They feed by sucking the sap out of leaves and stems, which can cause leaves to curl, yellow, and distort. Aphids then leave behind a sticky substance called honeydew, which attracts ants and can lead to black sooty mold on the leaves.
They’re most common in warm weather during spring and early summer, and can show up seemingly overnight.
Some of their favorite plants are:
- Tomatoes, peppers, squash, cucumbers, lettuce, kale
- Roses, zinnias, sunflowers, nasturtiums
- Fruit trees, especially new buds and soft stems
- Herbs like dill, chives, and basil
Natural Ways to Keep Aphids Away
Besides making your own homemade aphid spray, here are a few things you can do to discourage aphids from taking up residence in your gardens:
- Don’t overfertilize, aphids love nitrogen-rich growth
- Make good use of companion plants like garlic, catnip, and marigolds
- Attract the good bugs (like ladybugs and lacewings) by planting yarrow, fennel, or dill nearby
- Check your plants regularly so you can catch them early and take action
DIY Aphid Spray for Immediate Results
This spray works by coating the aphids and disrupting their ability to feed and breathe. I know it sounds mean but we REALLY do not want these guys in our gardens.
The soap helps the neem stick and spread, while the neem itself interferes with their hormone system, keeping the aphids from feeding and reproducing.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unscented castile soap
- 1 tablespoon neem oil (cold-pressed, 100% pure)
- Clean spray bottle (16 oz or larger)
Instructions:
- Fill your spray bottle with 4 cups of water.
- Add the castile soap and neem oil.
- Invert or gently shake the bottle to combine before each use. The oil and water will naturally separate, so you’ll need to do this every time.
How to Use:
Spray directly onto the tops and undersides of leaves, stems, and flower buds where aphids cluster. This should be done in the early morning or late afternoon but never in direct sun or it can burn the leaves.
Reapply the aphid spray daily for a few days, usually 3 to 5, until the aphids are gone. For prevention, you can spray once a week during peak growing season as they are drawn to new growth.
Natural Summer Tool Kit
Best Natural Ant Killer You Can Make In 60 Seconds
Natural Bug Balm for Ticks & Mosquitoes
My Family’s Homemade Sunscreen
Eggshell Bone Meal for the Garden
DIY Aphid Spray for Immediate Results
This homemade aphid spray gets rid of aphids fast without damaging your plants. Safe to use on fruit trees, vegetables, herbs, and flowers. Does not contain vinegar or chemicals.
Ingredients
- 4 cups water
- 2 tablespoons unscented castile soap
- 1 tablespoon neem oil (cold-pressed, 100% pure)
- Clean spray bottle (16 oz or larger)
Instructions
- Fill your spray bottle with 4 cups of water.
- Add the castile soap and neem oil.
- Invert or gently shake the bottle to combine before each use. The oil and water will naturally separate, so you’ll need to do this every time.
How to Use:
Spray directly onto the tops and undersides of leaves, stems, and flower buds where aphids cluster. This should be done in the early morning or late afternoon but never in direct sun or it can burn the leaves.
Reapply the aphid spray daily for a few days, usually 3 to 5, until the aphids are gone.
For prevention, you can spray once a week during peak growing season as they are drawn to new growth.
Pin It For Later!
