does anyone know why my pepper plants become infested with aphids within a few days of being moved inside for the winter? it's happened several years in a row and i'd like to be more successful next winter. i'd love to grow peppers indoors over the winter but am not interested in using some crazy pesticide. any natural solutions?
I don't know how natural it is, but I had success using a spray solution of roughly 50/50 rubbing alcohol and water. It takes about two times because the eggs hatch. I did it again after about 5 days. Good luck.
Probably they are libving in tha compost or soil. You could take them outside if they get too bad and spray with soapy water...or pick them off.
If you consistently shower the plants, you will not have anymore aphids taking over - but the spray must be hard, and consistent. Dishsoapy water will kill the main population, then regular forceful sprays of water will deter them further. I grow pepper plants indoors all year round and must shower my plants once a week (without fail) to keep all bugs off. Haven't had an infestation in a number of years now and I never use pesticides/insecticides. When dealing with bugs, preventative measure, rather than a quick fix, is always the best approach. : )
