Aphid season is here - A wildlife expert reveals how birds are the best solution to keeping your plants safe

Warm temperatures are great for helping your plants thrive and grow, but they also, unfortunately, create a welcoming environment for pests to move in. And right now, it's aphid season.

If you've been a gardener for a short time or for years, you'll have no doubt come across aphids in your garden. They're minute insects that enjoy feasting on your plants and can become a big issue rather quickly. Whilst there's a common flower that can help repel pests like aphids, there's another natural option to help keep your plants safe.

Although there are plenty of garden plants to grow that provide food for birds, there are a couple of species that will also feast on aphids, acting as a natural pest control.

Secret to preparing your garden for aphids this season

Whilst you've been sorting out your garden this month, you may have found some rather gross-looking insects taking over the leaves of your plants. These are aphids, also known as greenfly, and now is the time they arrive in gardens in swarms.

"With peak aphid season taking place across June and July, gardens across the UK can expect surging numbers of the pests. Aphids – or greenflies – are sap-sucking bugs, which feed on plants including ornamentals, vegetables, fruits, greenhouse plants and houseplants," says Ark Wildlife's wildlife expert, Sean McMenemy.

"Aphid populations can double every three days during their annual peak, with large numbers damaging plants by weakening new growth and spreading disease," he adds.

In the same way you'd attract birds to your garden to help with slugs, they can also be recruited for your aphid problem.

"Fortunately, some of Britain's garden birds act as highly effective natural pest control. Blue tits and long-tailed tits rely heavily on insects during the breeding season, with aphids forming a key part of their diet," continues Sean.

"Parent birds can collect hundreds of insects every day while feeding their young, making them valuable allies for gardeners looking to support wildlife and maintain a healthy garden naturally," explains Sean.

So if you do want to attract birds to your garden to help with your aphid problem, here are a few ways Sean says you can invite your feathered friends.

Along with following the latest guidance on summer bird feeding, you can also choose specific plants to help encourage these birds to your outdoor space

"Blue tits and long-tailed tits spend much of the breeding season searching for insects to feed their young, including aphids, caterpillars and other soft-bodied invertebrates. Gardens with a healthy mix of flowering plants, trees and shrubs provide valuable foraging opportunities, encouraging birds to visit regularly throughout spring and summer," he recommends.

"Allowing sections of the garden to grow more naturally can make it far more attractive to wildlife. Longer grass, wildflowers and undisturbed corners support a wider range of insects while providing additional cover for birds moving around the garden," Sean suggests.

Should you find that you're still dealing with aphids, and on a large scale, other garden experts recommend using a homemade natural garlic spray to keep the pests away.

It's not just your outdoor plants you'll want to keep an eye on this season; aphids are also a common pest found on houseplants and will need to be treated to keep your plants healthy.