It is precisely at the end of October that aphid females lay overwintering eggs in secluded places – on the bark, in the axils of buds, and under bud scales. There they safely survive the cold, and when the first warmer weather arrives, the pests begin their “hunt”.
Good news: they can be destroyed even before they hatch. One timely spraying is enough for this.
When and with what to spray?
The ideal time is right after the leaves fall, but before the constant frosts begin. The optimal air temperature is about +3–+5 °C.
A 5–7% urea solution is used for spraying. It is easy to prepare: dissolve 700 g of granules in 10 liters of water.
How to spray properly?
For the spraying to be effective, it is important not only to spray the plant but to thoroughly moisten:
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all branches;
main branches;
pay special attention to the branching points of the branches – this is exactly where aphids hide their eggs.
It is best to use a battery-powered sprayer that sprays the solution in fine droplets. One mature tree will need about 2–3 liters of solution.
Urea is not only a remedy against pests. It also helps disinfect the bark and fight scab and powdery mildew. So one autumn spraying helps solve several problems: destroy overwintering pests and reduce the spread of fungal disease pathogens.
Perform this simple procedure in late autumn – in spring, the garden will greet you with healthy buds and strong shoots, which will be less attacked by pesky aphids.
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