Aphis nerii – the bright yellow aphid often seen on milkweed plants

milkweed attacked by yellow oleander aphid

How to Combat Oleander Aphids and Keep Attracting Monarch Butterflies

The yellow oleander aphid (Aphis nerii) is a common pest that can weaken milkweed plants and affect the habitat of monarch butterflies. Fortunately, they can be managed naturally—and without harming the monarchs!

Sometimes we worry and feel like all is lost when we see these little insects covering our plants. But the truth is, they’re more common than we think, and in many cases, almost unavoidable.

Here are some practical tips to care for your milkweed while still supporting monarch butterflies:

Tips for Taking Care of Your Milkweed

1. Check your plants regularly Inspect the undersides of leaves and stems. If you see clusters of tiny yellow bugs, they’re probably aphids.

2. Remove them by hand or with water You can gently rub them off with your fingers (wear gloves) or spray them off with a strong stream of water. Do this early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid sun damage to the plant.

3. Avoid pesticides Do not use chemical pesticides. They can also kill caterpillars and beneficial insects like ladybugs, which are natural predators of aphids.

4. Attract natural predators Ladybugs and lacewings love to eat aphids. You can plant flowers like marigolds, dill, or cilantro nearby to invite them into your garden.

5. Prune heavily infested areas If an infestation gets out of control, prune the most affected parts of the plant and dispose of them (do not leave them on the ground).

6. Grow multiple milkweed plants This spreads out the risk. If one plant is infested, others will still be safe for eggs and caterpillars.

How Do Aphids Affect Monarch Butterflies?

Even though aphids don’t directly attack monarch eggs or caterpillars, they can still harm the habitat:

• Infested plants may become unsuitable for monarchs to lay eggs.

• Young caterpillars may struggle to move or feed if the plant is covered in aphids or sticky honeydew.

  
  

Healthy Milkweed = Healthy Monarchs

Taking care of your milkweed plants doesn’t just help monarch butterflies—it also protects your garden and supports a healthy ecosystem!

Give the Gift of Nature

Surprise someone with a Monarch butterfly chrysalis kit or a Malachite (Siproeta stelenes) butterfly kit from Monarquía Monarca—a truly magical experience that inspires love for nature.