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Distinct lack of predators

PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
in Wildlife gardening
So where are all the ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies,  wasps, blue tits etc? I have never seen as many aphids as there are here at the moment, and nothing to eat them. And that is not because the predators have been sprayed out of existence, as I don't normally spray. Not even done anything about the root aphids, vine weevils or lily beetles this year. Cannot be bothered to be honest. The shed roof this morning was green with aphids and we have had to wash the dustbins as they were so covered in honeydew that the lids were stuck down.
Since there are no aphid munching things around, am I free to use a soap based insecticide or what? Don't say spray with water, we don't actually own a hosepipe.
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  • LoxleyLoxley Posts: 5,698
    edited May 2023
    Not noticed any ladybirds yet but I have seen a few of those small parasitic wasps. I think soap based would be fine (if there are no beneficial insects present) as it works by contact.
    "What is hateful to you, do not do to your neighbour". 
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Don't get me wrong, I do not intend spraying the garden, only the shed roof and the seedlings in the frames. The garden will have take its chances and wait for predators to arrive.
    By the way not a single swallow seen here either.
  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,445
    for every person that isn't poisoning our environment there are dozens who are. It may be too late, I'm glad I'm old and won't be around too much longer


    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    What are the aphids on the shed roof eating? 🫤 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • thevictorianthevictorian Posts: 1,279
    We have a wasp building a nest in the shed for the first time in years. It's quite uncommon to see many wasps over the last few years either unless they are enjoying the persicaria in the autumn.

    There are a few ladybirds about but other predators seem knocked back by the cold weather. I'm really worried about bees, more than ever really, because they seem virtually non existent when only recently you'd still here them from a distance. It seems now you have to search to find even one where hundreds would have been before.
  • februarysgirlfebruarysgirl Posts: 835
    I have an aphid problem that's spreading and have so far this year only seen one ladybird. I've resorted to ordering some (and the larvae) to get it sorted out. Haven't received them yet but am keeping my fingers crossed they'll do the job.
  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    Wish I knew why there were so many on the shed roof. Never seen so many in one spot before. The Beech tree next to the shed is bowed down with the weight of them, so perhaps they have been evicted from it?
    None of our near neighbours sprays and they all feed the birds, but............
    We do have a fair number of bees around which is why I am very reluctant to spray even though the aphids are a major problem.
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    If the aphids are on the roof then surely they’re dead or dying … there’s nothing for them there. 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • PalustrisPalustris Posts: 4,307
    If they were dead then their ghosts flew off when I approached. The cloud of them was what made me look more closely to see where they had come from.
  • Papi JoPapi Jo Posts: 4,254
    My Hibiscus syriacus specimen is currently covered in (black) aphids. I was about to give it the soap + water spray treatment when I finally spotted the more than welcome ladybird larvae (Asian ladybirds, actully, but who cares, they have a good appetite too). I'm watching with interest...
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