Had the same problem on roses. Purchased some adult and ladybird larvae at the end of last week. They are now munching their way through a feast and the roses are beginning to look happier. Also looks as though adults are mating so should have an ongoing supply of larvae! Did the same last year - poured with rain the night after applying so was not succsessful.
If you were hungry and were dumped in a Michelin star restaurant would you want to leave?
Seriously though, the same thought has occurred to me: maybe some form of tented area with polythene around the plant might help. Sparrows & bluetits keep coming back for more in my garden. It's amazing just how keen a bird's eyesight is over us poor humans!
I discussed using ladybirds at one of the stands at Gardeners World Live yesterday and was advised that ladybirds as a means of biological control are usually intended for greenhouse use where they are kept in the environment. I did notice however the stand had fine mesh netted frames housing butterflies and other exotic insects. To be fair the stand was not advertising biological controls but was more concerned with the butterflies etc. They weren't selling the tented/netted frame either - they bought those for their show stand from a pet shop specialising in reptiles.
I've got greenfly on my rosebuds - every year I just run my fingers over the shoots in the morning, removing most of the greenfly and leaving a few for the ladybirds and bluetits - it works for me
I checked my roses yesterday evening - hardly a greenfly to be seen, and all I've done is running my fingers over the buds a couple of time as described above. I've got lovely healthy rosebuds with no greenfly damage
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
JUst out of interest, I haven't seen one ladybird in my garden this year, last year there were zillions. I garden organically, the bluetits are helping out, but I wonder where the ladybirds have gone?
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when i checked round this morning most greenfly had gone
Had the same problem on roses. Purchased some adult and ladybird larvae at the end of last week. They are now munching their way through a feast and the roses are beginning to look happier. Also looks as though adults are mating so should have an ongoing supply of larvae! Did the same last year - poured with rain the night after applying so was not succsessful.
how much are ladybirds?
what stops them flying away??
If you were hungry and were dumped in a Michelin star restaurant would you want to leave?
Seriously though, the same thought has occurred to me: maybe some form of tented area with polythene around the plant might help. Sparrows & bluetits keep coming back for more in my garden. It's amazing just how keen a bird's eyesight is over us poor humans!
Exactly!! No sign of them leaving yet. The larvae don't fly and can eat huge quantities. Try the Green Gardener for prices.
Fidgetbones - I think that young ladybirds are spotless - the spots develop as they get older. They change colour too I believe
I discussed using ladybirds at one of the stands at Gardeners World Live yesterday and was advised that ladybirds as a means of biological control are usually intended for greenhouse use where they are kept in the environment. I did notice however the stand had fine mesh netted frames housing butterflies and other exotic insects. To be fair the stand was not advertising biological controls but was more concerned with the butterflies etc. They weren't selling the tented/netted frame either - they bought those for their show stand from a pet shop specialising in reptiles.
I checked my roses yesterday evening - hardly a greenfly to be seen, and all I've done is running my fingers over the buds a couple of time as described above. I've got lovely healthy rosebuds with no greenfly damage
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
i to use washing up liquid diluted..but where possible i actually dip my plants into a large bowl and swish the bugs of.
JUst out of interest, I haven't seen one ladybird in my garden this year, last year there were zillions. I garden organically, the bluetits are helping out, but I wonder where the ladybirds have gone?