The Good Guys…
Early in the season, as plants get going and have lots of soft new growth, the aphids/ black fly/ green fly start to appear.
The adults overwinter often in the cracks and crannies of tree bark, for example. When they come out of hibernation (which can be very early) they are, naturally, hungry and they fly to the nearest succulent growth.
They tend to cluster around the growing tips where the sap pressure is greatest and, they, literally, get “stuck in”.
As the aphids feed they start to produce a sticky excrement or “frass” which is very high in sugar and which we call “honeydew” (and curse if we park our cars under a tree dripping it).
Early in the season, as plants get going and have lots of soft new growth, the aphids/ black fly/ green fly start to appear.
The adults overwinter often in the cracks and crannies of tree bark, for example. When they come out of hibernation (which can be very early) they are, naturally, hungry and they fly to the nearest succulent growth.
They tend to cluster around the growing tips where the sap pressure is greatest and, they, literally, get “stuck in”.
As the aphids feed they start to produce a sticky excrement or “frass” which is very high in sugar and which we call “honeydew” (and curse if we park our cars under a tree dripping it).
“Frustratingly, the aphid predators show up a bit later”
Then they start laying eggs and suddenly there is a whole host of insects busily sucking away.
The honeydew attracts ants who cleverly “milk”, guard and move the aphids to other plants for the honeydew to take to their nests. Soon, there is quite a community busily extracting sap from your plants.
Frustratingly, the aphid predators show up a bit later…in my garden it seems to be about two weeks to a month.
Ladybirds/ Ladybugs/ Lady beetles (because that is what they are) should wear white hats like the heroes in old western films.
They and their larvae are the primary predators of aphids. The adults come out of hibernation and start laying eggs on the undersides of leaves in May.
Adult Ladybirds are voracious consumers of aphids, but late-stage larvae eat even more.
“Even insecticidal soaps can damage bees…”
If you encounter these little dragons on your plants; don’t be alarmed; rather, be pleased that soon the plant will be clear of aphids.
Try hard not to use spray. The best thing is probably a strong spray of water to knock the aphids off. Even insecticidal soaps can damage bees…. Delaying tactics; not insecticide…)
