I've been spraying them off with a strong stream of water. I also tried spraying them with a weak bleach solution (a suggestion from a gardening post). If I had more time to fool with it, I could probably whip them, but I just don't have time to devote to it. I pulled everything up and burned it (Yard long beans).
On the bright side - my zucchinis and basil are taking off!
I checked my okra today, and mine are gone. I thank Mr. Big Green Spider and the praying mantis crew, because I don't know what else might have gotten them.
Have you read anything about soapy water with alcohol? I haven't, but you have investigated it more than I have.
Sorry you lost the whole crop. But yea for the zucchini! Love the zucs!
I'm working towards plantings that will attract beneficials. I don't want to buy them because half fly off - and I'm on a pretty tight budget ;-/ Many suggest leaving the aphids alone and they will be what attracts the lady bugs; however, I can't live with that (especially since the plant is all but stunted by now)
I picture you up on stage at a Beatnik club.... dark sunglasses and beret - strumming a guitar and reciting those lyrics.... yeah man (Snap...Snap...Snap) ;-)
The ants are the problem with the black aphids. They farm them - they carry them up the plants and place them. In return they get the nectar the aphids excrete. It's all very annoying (and gross)
What are Black Aphids? Are they different from ordinary aphids? I just leave mine alone here. I don't get many - mainly on my Wild Cotton I leave growing for the butterflies.
no subject
Date: 2009-10-07 03:01 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 12:58 pm (UTC)On the bright side - my zucchinis and basil are taking off!
no subject
Date: 2009-10-09 01:45 am (UTC)Have you read anything about soapy water with alcohol? I haven't, but you have investigated it more than I have.
Sorry you lost the whole crop. But yea for the zucchini! Love the zucs!
no subject
Date: 2009-10-07 03:31 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 01:01 pm (UTC)something like that
Date: 2009-10-07 04:57 pm (UTC)"Aphid, aphid,
little green protein
on my rose petal
tonight
...something, something..
some prefer batter fried.
..
on my rose petal tonight."
Re: something like that
Date: 2009-10-08 01:02 pm (UTC)Re: something like that
Date: 2009-10-08 05:59 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 03:30 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 01:03 pm (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 06:37 am (UTC)no subject
Date: 2009-10-08 01:04 pm (UTC)