black aphids

Discussion in 'Outdoor Gardening in the Pacific Northwest' started by Jeannie Buss, Aug 7, 2010.

  1. Jeannie Buss

    Jeannie Buss Member

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    this year I have a real problem with black aphids. at first there were green aphids on our roses. then I put in nasturtiums and the black aphids are thick on the nasturtiums, and moving onto the hydrangea and the roses.

    how can I best get rid of them without pesticides?
     
  2. Lysichiton

    Lysichiton Active Member

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    Location:
    Fraser Valley, BC.
    ...gently squish them between your fingers. Works well. Just don't think about it too much the first few times :)
    Hosing the plant vigorously daily helps too, if it is the kind of plant that will tolerate this treatment. I do this in the morning when it's sunny so as not to encourage mildews & other fungi (don't know if the timing is important or not...oh well)

    Nasturtiums are blackfly magnets in my yard. I just gave up growing them, unfortunately.

    My 2 cents worth

    gb
     
  3. Dunc

    Dunc Active Member

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    I contoll my aphids by turning loose a box of Ladybugs. Most of the garden stores sell them. They will clean up an infestation in a couple of days and then continue to hunt. They are cheaper than sprays and a lot more fun.
     
  4. Jeannie Buss

    Jeannie Buss Member

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    great! thank you for all the tips. I will try the ladybugs first. there are 1000's of aphids by now and I would prefer to keep the nastursiums.
     
  5. Lysichiton

    Lysichiton Active Member

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    ...good luck. Hosing really does help. Pinching out the susceptible young tips helps me as well.

    gb.
     

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