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Whidbey Island

I had an infestation of aphids this year and avoided various sprays including Neem Oil because of the potential damage to beneficial organisms including bees and wasps.
I am wondering if anyone has used Ladybugs or Green Lacewings, both of which can eat phenomenal numbers of aphids daily. Please let me know your experiance.

12/13/2023 7:45:44 PM

On a cliff in the desert

I plant marigolds by my plants and have no trouble attracting bugs to eat aphids

12/13/2023 9:02:59 PM

Bethlehem CT

I am just learning about this stuff, it is amazing.

https://research.csiro.au/mixedcovercrops/wp-content/uploads/sites/297/2022/03/J_SANTFA_Aphids-as-Indicators_Att-2.pdf

12/14/2023 8:04:16 AM

Torrance, Ca.

Nice write up you posted moon! I'm reading through it as well. Biologically I've never been able to get rid of aphids. It's always been the good old " Avid " or something stronger.

They can take over your plant fast if you're not keeping your eyes out for them.

The Paton's have a pretty good organic way of getting rid of most bugs. Hopefully one of them chime in.

12/14/2023 10:07:08 AM

Mission Viejo, CA

I bought ladybugs and praying mantis eggs one year.

The lizards were ecstatic!

And fat!!

12/14/2023 11:43:25 AM

Auburn California

This past seaso I put out half gallon or 9,000 ladybugs. Then a week later, put out the second half gallon to equal up to 18,000 ladybugs. And it was a pretty neat process to watch and see them eat aphids and reproduce to make more ladybugs. I know the ladybugs did some damage to the aphids but couldnt keep up as I introduce the ladybugs too late into the season, might try it again next year but start earlier with them in smaller numbers also I like to put out Terro ant bait traps to handle the ants that apparently farm and move around the aphids,this yearI will put more Terro traps out throughout the season, good luck to all of you, Crane

12/14/2023 1:52:13 PM

Auburn California

My apologies as I just Googled that and apparently I had 2 qt at 18,000 a quart which made 36,000 ladybugs, anyway I look at it a copious amount of ladybugs turned loose, thanks again, Crane.

12/14/2023 2:06:02 PM

Kenosha - WI

As far as I know Neem Oil doesn't harm any Bees or wasps. I spray it every year, several times. Make sure you buy the organic concentrated Neem Oil and not those cheap bottles that only have 5% neem oil and a bunch of other chemicals.

12/15/2023 6:19:11 AM

Partlow,Va

Great point Bison, do your homework on the neem oil. Buy the good stuff. The neem oil sold locally here is not what to use.

12/15/2023 7:27:10 AM

Connecticut, USA

I use Neem oil on my peppers and other vegetables for aphids. The good stuff will say "cold pressed". I got mine on Amazon:

HARRIS Neem Oil, 100% Cold Pressed and Unrefined for Plant Spray, Skin and Hair, 32oz Cosmetic Grade Concentrate

12/15/2023 7:29:46 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

Organocide has done wonders for me, it also helps with PM.

https://www.arbico-organics.com/product/Organocide-3-in-1-Garden-Spray/pest-solver-guide-mites

12/15/2023 8:10:24 AM

Upa Creek, Mo

In 2014 I also built a 10'x7' non electric, filter free pond adjacent to the patch. It filters via plants and the only fish in it are local creek caught mosquito fish that survive in low oxygen waters. It attracts toads, and every year I have thousands of tadpoles in it through spring and summer. All those toads help a ton in the garden.

12/15/2023 8:24:58 AM

Walla Walla Wa.

I had a terrible aphid outbreak in my high tunnel this year and I used the good neem oil mixed with peppermint essential oil and Dr Bonners soap,plus as I walked through the garden I'd catch ladybugs and throw them in there as well also had a hatch out of hoover flies which eat aphids and also earwigs that took care of almost every single aphid! And went on to grow numerous WR tomatoes and eggplant. And yes I totally agree that high nitrogen is a big factor in aphid problems!!

12/15/2023 10:43:37 AM

Commack, NY

JMS stylet oil. 2 tbsp per gallon. works great on PM too

12/15/2023 6:11:33 PM

Whidbey Island

Spraying Neem Oil on the undersides of the leaves can be tough to do, tough to reach the leaves and tough to get a good coating. The info I have read is it CAN affect native and beneficial critters. I had tons of wasps feeding on the aphids and I'm concerned they would have suffered along with their prey. I may consider it though next year if needed. Thanks for all the responses.

12/15/2023 9:16:09 PM

Seattle, WA

https://www.treehugger.com/why-you-shouldnt-buy-ladybugs-natural-pest-control-your-garden-4858779#:~:text=You%20should%20try%20to%20encourage,already%20living%20in%20the%20area.

12/19/2023 12:41:38 PM