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Sunday, April 05, 2015

Calvary Arriving to Handle Aphids

Dear Folks,

Several days ago I posted about that the aphids have arrived and using safe soap spray.

I am very careful in using the spray to make sure the good bugs are not among the aphids - and I should have noted that in my post.

Sooooo, the reason to be careful using the spray is also about not spraying willy-nilly.

One of my mantras has been the good bugs (predators of pests) don't show up until you ring the dinner bell, i.e., there has to be some aphid activity to draw the bugs in white hats in.

So here are some good guys who I saw this morning.  The ladybug, of course, but lesser known is the assassin bug. The larvae, young and adult are all good aphid hunters.

It is also important to note that many of these good bugs can bite, they are, after all predators.  Let them do their job and they will reward you by multiplying.

On that same note, many of the larvae, juveniles and some adults need nectar so having something flowering in the garden at all times is good for you and the beneficial insects.

So to the beneficial insects - be a good-bug host, and they will go forth and multiply.

-- Catherine, The Herb Lady

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