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Blackfly ? query

glynaglyna Posts: 4
in Problem solving
Hi, I have just noticed these blackfly(?) and a powdery covering on these plants. Doesn't seem to be affecting anything else in the garden. What is it & how should I deal with it? Thanks, Glyn.

Posts

  • amancalledgeorgeamancalledgeorge Posts: 2,736
    Make up a little solution of washing up liquid and put it in a spray bottle...if you have any neem oil that would be handy too. Should sort them out.
    To Plant a Garden is to Believe in Tomorrow
  • B3B3 Posts: 27,505
    I'd cut off the stem and bin it
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • glynaglyna Posts: 4
    Hi, thanks for your suggestions. Two quite different solutions there! Got quite a lot of that growing so will try both ideas and see what happens. Cheers.
  • rebeccamM6CA_Gn6rebeccamM6CA_Gn6 Posts: 133
    Hi Glyna,
    Hope you're well?
    How did you get on? Wondered what the results were as I have a similar issue and wondered if the washing up liquid method sorted things out?
  • nick615nick615 Posts: 1,487
    I've always relied on boiling rhubarb leaves and, once cooled, using the spray bottle treatment to apply the liquid to the affected area, as with the washing up liquid method.
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    A squirt from a hose is the simple solution, and better than a spray bottle, unless you don't have a hose, of course. If you're doing it on 'flimsier' plants, just hold the stem with the other hand.
    Or wipe them off with your hand. Really straightforward. :)

    Encouraging birds helps too - they eat them at this time of year, and pick them off for their young as well. Same as greenfly.

    Washing up liquid makes them explode. Water is all that's needed.
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • glynaglyna Posts: 4
    Thanks again for the additional input. I have been back in work so haven't got round to trying any of the solutions yet but will definitely post the results when i
    I do. Best wishes to all.
  • rebeccamM6CA_Gn6rebeccamM6CA_Gn6 Posts: 133
    Btw thanks @nick615 as I boiled some rhubarb leaves for my shasta daisy aphids using your method and has worked an absolute treat! There are a few left but with a water hose the matter is under control 🙏
  • glynaglyna Posts: 4
    Hi all, I went for the simplest solution & gave them a squirt with the hose which removed them effectively & didn't damage the plants. One week later and there are a few more on there but nowhere near the initial numbers. Another quick squirt should see them off for a while. Happy gardening!
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