The Effectiveness of Various Pesticides on Aphid Infestations

The Effectiveness of Various Pesticides on Aphid Infestations

The main goal of this research was to examine the effectiveness of various pesticides on aphid infestations found on landscape and garden plants. Aphids, also known as plant lice, are small (~5 mm) sap-sucking insects in family Aphidoidea commonly observed in home landscapes and gardens, as well as in many agricultural areas. They are some of the most destructive insects on cultivated plants and control of these pests usually requires pesticide treatments. The three most common types are organic, synthetic, and soap pesticides. We chose three commonly sold varieties at a local home improvement warehouse to use for during this study. These pesticides were: Ortho Max Lawn and Garden Insect Killer (synthetic; active ingredient - bifenthrin), Ecosmart Organic Insecticide (active ingredient – plant oils), and Ortho Ecosense Insecticidal Soap (active ingredient – potassium salts of fatty acids). Their effectiveness was determined by studying the change in aphid abundance found Ixora shrubs and scarlet milkweed (Asclepias curassavica). The synthetic pesticide killed all aphids the quickest. The organic pesticide and insecticidal soap also killed all aphids, however it took longer to do so. The negative health effects of synthetic pesticides on humans and the environment are well documented and consumers should consider this and the severity of aphid infestation when selecting a pesticide treatment. Based upon our results, we would suggest the environmentally safe insecticidal soap as an initial pesticide treatment.