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Bunches of insects on stems

NwjblakeNwjblake Posts: 15
in Problem solving
Hi there,

I started noticing these bunches of insect larvae on the stems of some nasturtiums, but they now seem to be everywhere in the garden. Here in the picture on a Clematis and cosmos. There are a lot of ants around them as well.

Can anybody please help identify what is happening and offer advice on what I can do about it?

Many thanks,
Nick

Posts

  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Aphids of the black varsity Often called black fly. The ants farm them. They drink the plant sap which oozes through the aphids, 'honeydew' as it is called. So getting rid . Lots of different methods of attacking the aphids. Squash them with fingers, spray them with soft soap solution or insecticide. Take your pick.
  • NwjblakeNwjblake Posts: 15
    Thank you, Palustris. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,117
    Easiest method is to wipe them off,or skoosh with a spray of water,  but if you encourage birds into the garden they help remove them, especially when they have young. Blue tits are particularly fond of them. 
    I rarely have aphids in my garden, as the birds are in there as soon as any appear. 
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
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