Orange aphids on your milkweed? Milkweed attracts a broad collection of bugs including the orange variety of aphids called Oleander or Milkweed Aphids. Milkweed aphids are commonly and predictably found on milkweed – usually every year. Don’t panic! Please refrain from spraying the aphids with an insecticide. Insecticides are designed to kill insects and will not distinguish between aphids and butterflies and other pollinators. Ideally pollinator gardens are kept free of all pesticides with an objective to nurture wildlife in that space. If aphids or holes in the leaves will bother you, consider planting milkweed and other butterfly host plants in an area of the garden that is less visible – because by design – caterpillars munch on the leaves of their host plants.
What to do instead: Every couple of days, spray the milkweed plants with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids to the ground. To prevent stem breakage, brace the back of the plant with your hand before you hose them down.
Remember – you are making a tangible difference (yay for you!) by planting milkweed for Monarch caterpillars. You are providing the host plant that is absolutely necessary to the survival of the fascinating Monarch Butterfly.