SOUTHLAND CARBON APHID SPRAY

• Aphids (greenfly and blackfly) on roses, vegetables and ornamentals
• Aphids on swan plants, where you want to avoid harsh sprays
• Gardeners and lifestyle block owners after a natural, softer option
• Anyone who wants a ready-to-use spray with no mixing or measuring
• Regular preventative spraying through the aphid season

The spray is wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid) diluted to about 5% in water. Wood vinegar is the liquid you get when the smoke from making biochar is cooled and condensed, and it's full of natural organic acids and phenols.

Aphids don't like it. The smoky, acidic scent makes treated plants far less appealing, so it works mainly as a deterrent and repellent rather than a knockdown chemical. Sprayed regularly, it helps keep aphids from settling in and building up.

At the same time, those same natural compounds are mildly antimicrobial and act as a gentle tonic for the plant, supporting healthy growth and the soil life around the roots. It's natural and biodegradable, and breaks down quickly in the garden.

It's ready to use straight from the bottle – no diluting.

• Shake before use, then spray directly onto the affected plants.
• Cover the aphids. Get the undersides of leaves and the new growth where aphids cluster, and the soil around the base.
• For an active infestation: spray weekly, onto the leaves and soil, until it's under control.
• To prevent aphids: spray every 14 days through the season.
• Timing: spray in the cool of the morning or evening rather than in hot sun.
• Trial first: test a small area on delicate or new plants before spraying the lot.

Product type: ready-to-use natural aphid spray, made from wood vinegar (pyroligneous acid)

Composition: approximately 5% pyroligneous acid, 95% water

Feedstock: 100% untreated, virgin New Zealand wood biomass. No synthetic additives or chemicals introduced.

Appearance: light brown liquid

Odour: smoky, vinegar-like

Solubility: fully miscible in water

Flammability: not classified as flammable

Biodegradable: yes, with low environmental persistence

Shelf life: 24 months stored correctly (sealed, out of direct sunlight, below 30°C)

Pack size: 1L ready-to-use bottle with trigger sprayer. 

Supplier: Southland Carbon Limited, The Brickworks, Pukerau, Southland

How do I get rid of aphids with it?

Spray it straight onto the affected plants, making sure you cover the undersides of leaves and the new growth where aphids gather. For an active infestation, spray weekly until it's under control; to keep them away, spray every couple of weeks through the season.

Do I need to dilute it?

No. It's ready to use straight from the bottle. Just shake it and spray – no mixing or measuring.

Is it natural and organic?

Yes. It's made from 100% untreated New Zealand wood with no synthetic additives, and it's biodegradable. It's a softer option for gardeners who'd rather not start with a hard chemical.

Can I use it on roses, vegetables and swan plants?

Yes, it's made for garden plants including roses, veges, ornamentals and swan plants. As with any spray, trial a small area first on delicate or new plants, and spray in the cool of the day rather than hot sun.

How does it work on aphids?

It works mainly as a deterrent. The smoky, acidic wood-vinegar scent makes plants much less appealing to aphids, so regular spraying helps stop them settling and building up, rather than acting as a chemical knockdown.

Will it affect bees and other insects?

Spray it onto the affected foliage rather than over open flowers, and avoid spraying when bees are actively foraging. If you're unsure about a particular situation, get in touch and we'll help.

The spray is mildly acidic. Avoid contact with eyes and skin, wear gloves and eye protection if you're handling a lot of it, and do not ingest it. Keep it out of reach of children.

Trial a small area on delicate or new plants before spraying more widely.

It's natural, biodegradable and breaks down quickly in the garden, with low environmental persistence.

Store it sealed, out of direct sunlight and below 30°C. Stored that way it lasts around 24 months.

Southland Carbon Aphid Spray is made by Southland Carbon in Pukerau, Southland, and stocked by Rainbow & Brown. Got a question about using it? Get in touch – we're happy to help. For more detail, see the product information attached to this listing.