this post was submitted on 16 Feb 2026
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Apparently even a single ladybug can devour shitloads of aphids, so don't despair
I sadly ordered them in autumn right before a big drop in temperature seemingly got them all. So now I'm doing my best to keep the aphid population down until spring, when I will try again
There's a couple things you can do if you haven't already: Neem oil is stinky but an excellent insect repellent, and if you have plant-safe soap you can mix it with water plus chili oil or siracha and apply it to the stems like aphid pepper spray. Even the hot stuff alone with water can help
I've tried it all lol. I've even tried smoking out the aphids by putting the affected plants in an enclosed box with a lit cigar. Now I've just plants that smell like Dad. Weirdly enough I had an olive tree that was being destroyed by wooly aphids and then they finally just got rinsed off and that was it. No such luck with the regular aphids though.
I appreciate the advice though! I think the issue is basil is just too good of a habitat for aphids. Lots of nooks and crannies + It seems like the plant is perfect sustenance.