The aphid is a type of insect that attacks a multitude of plants, including many of those that we plant in the garden, just as it happens with broad beans. In addition, another factor that we have to take into account is that there are more than 500 types of aphids, each of them with its specific characteristics, which will make it more or less easy to combat them.
One of the most harmful aphids that can attack our garden is the black aphid, a very widespread aphid that is very characteristic for its dark and blackish color. If you want to know how to remove black aphids from beans and many other crops, keep reading a HOW TO and we will tell you about it.
What is and what does the black aphid on beans
The aphid is an insect that attacks plants of many types by feeding on them. This insect has a mouth that allows it to bite the greenest shoots and absorb the sap from the interior of the plant, a substance on which it mainly feeds. This implies that the plant loses part of its nutrients and consequently she begins to weaken and look increasingly ugly and sicker.
In fact, one of the signs that should alert us to the possibility of black aphids on our bean plants will be that the leaves start to yellow and wrinkle for no apparent reason.
On the other hand, it must be borne in mind that aphids are insects that reproduce very quickly. Therefore, as soon as they are located, it will be important to take the appropriate measures to eliminate them from the plants as soon as possible and thus prevent them from spreading even further.
Insecticides for bean aphids
One of the simplest options that we can choose when fighting black or other aphids is to apply a chemical insecticide purchased from garden stores. However, it must be taken into account that these products are toxic, which makes applying them to plants that are going to be consumed later, such as beans, not a good idea.
In addition, another aspect that we have to take into account is that these products end up with insects of all kinds, including those that are beneficial for the plant. A good example of these beneficial insects would be the ladybug or vaquita, so characteristic for its red cover with black dots. This insect literally feeds on aphids, helping us to counteract the plague, so we are not interested in eliminating it from our orchard or garden.
Consequently, the smartest thing will be to opt for ecological options, respectful both with the environment, with the plant itself and with the health of the people who will later consume the beans of the plant in question. Therefore, in this other article we explain how to make an ecological insecticide.
How to remove black aphids with potassium soap
One of the ecological ways to eliminate black aphids and aphids of any other type is to use potassium soap in spray form. This soap acts as a poison only for aphids, but not so against the beneficial insects for the plant, against the plant itself, or against the people who can later consume the fruits of the plant. Therefore, it is a perfectly safe option to use in garden or garden plants.
- The way to apply potassium soap will be dissolving a proportion of 20 milliliters of soap for every liter of water.
- Then apply by spraying all over the plant.
- During application, it is very important that the water reaches all parts of the plant, including also the back of the leaves.
- It must be taken into account that this mixture acts by direct contact against aphids, so it is essential to apply it in every nook and cranny of the plant.
- After application, wait two weeks and reapply to make sure there are no traces of the pest.
If necessary, after another two weeks, make a third application again. For more information, in this other article we explain in more detail How to use potassium soap for aphids.
How to remove black aphids with Neem oil
Another option that will allow you to combat the black aphid, in addition to other types of aphids and insects that are harmful to plants (such as red spider, mealybug or whitefly, among others) is to use Neem oil. The way to apply this oil will be the same as in the case of potassium soap. That is to say, diluting the same proportion in water and applying it with a sprayer every two weeks making sure that the mixture reaches all parts of the plant.
This is another ecological option to combat the black aphid that, in addition to being respectful with the environment, also it is safe with health.
Finally, if we would like to opt for a much more powerful option (only necessary in the cases of the most virulent and difficult to combat pests), we can also prepare a mixing Neem oil and potassium soap with water that we will apply in the same way. What will destroy any trace of black aphids that may remain in the areas where we spread it.
Now that you know how to eliminate black bean aphids, you may also be interested in this other oneHOWTO article on How to prepare a bean cream, ideal for when your plant is strong, healthy and ready for consumption.
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