The Common Garden Pest That's After Your Witch Hazel Plant

Witch hazel is a great garden staple to grow not only for its looks, but its many benefits — including as an anti-inflammatory. Nevertheless, there's one pest that might threaten to ruin this gorgeous autumnal plant, and that's aphids. They're common pests and operate by sucking the sap out of plants, thus stopping them from growing properly. While on the whole, witch hazel repels bugs well, aphids will still attempt to get at it.

Moreover, the pests can cause your plants to be unsightly thanks to the galls they leave behind when taking the sap. While this isn't a major issue, it can be annoying if you're trying to cultivate a picture perfect garden. Luckily, there is a way to stop aphids from hindering the growth of your witch hazel and leaving behind their traces without the use of chemicals. Below is all you need to know about what to do the next time you suspect the pesky critters are eating away at your precious plants. 

There are several different ways to get rid of aphids. The first method is super simple and is best undertaken when you have spotted just one or two. You can just take your garden hose and spray liberally at the aphids (be careful if your plant is growing, as strong water pressure may be harmful). If you want to make sure they're really gone, you can don your gardening gloves and pick them off one by one before depositing them into soapy water to kill them.

Another option is to make a solution from water and 100% liquid soap. Put the mix in a spray bottle and target both the aphids themselves and the areas of the witch hazel plant where they have been seen. Don't forget the hidden parts of plants like under the leaves, as this is often where critters will lay their eggs. Alternatively, try some neem oil. This oil will need to be diluted with water unless you buy a premade spray, but a few spritzes in the areas where they frequent will deter aphids from going near your witch hazel.