Sept. 4, 2019
Orange aphids on your milkweed? Milkweed attracts a collection of bugs including the orange variety of aphids called Oleander or Milkweed Aphids. Milkweed is commonly attacked by these insects. Don’t panic! Please refrain from spraying the aphids with an insecticide. Insecticides will not distinguish between aphids and butterflies.
Hints: Every couple of days, spray the milkweed plants with a strong stream of water to knock the aphids to the ground. Plant butterfly host plants (like milkweed) in a more secluded area of you garden where it won’t bother you if the plants don’t look attractive at certain times of the year. Remember…by planting milkweed you are making an awesome contribution to monarch habitat and survival.