Take the tour ×  I planted my first rhizome this year to try my
hand at hop growing. To my surprise the plant flourished and was
ready to yield at least a half pound of hops. To my great
sadness I awoke this morning to find that aphids had completely
ravaged the entire plant.  Next year what can be done to control
them and not leave a residue that will end up in beer? I have
read a little about the soap and water treatment but wonder if
this will leave any aftertaste in a beer.  share|improve this
question I used the soap and water this summer when aphids
attacked the pepper plants on my balcony. After a week of
misting in the morning and evening with a soapy solution, the
aphids were pretty much gone. I assume that rain would have
washed off the residue on the leaves and peppers as the peppers
tasted fine. I don't know what effect there would be on hops
(which is why this is a comment). An alternative is to get
ladybugs (you can buy them live in boxes at some garden centres)
and let the ladybugs eat the aphi