Blackfly!!

[debbiem]

It's quite amazing really that we haven't encountered this problem before, not at infestation level anyway - our Philadelphus is absolutely crawling with blackfly. The blackfly are all over the Philadephus and the ants are all over the blackfly. It's my turn now to join in but, apart from using chemicals, is there another way of getting rid of them? OH was talking about washing up liquid but we thought we'd ask on here.

[4pygmies]

A good spray of water would dislodge them I would think. I use washing up liquid too when they get in my nasturtiums (nasty..). You might have to do it several times though.

[debbiem]

OK thanks 4P - it's a grisly sight isn't it?

[4pygmies]

I enjoy the spraying.......it's a massacre. You can call me Edith....

[debbiem]

[madonplants]

Try and get more ladybirds and hoverflies into your garden, but yes I like the hope pipe method as well!!

Keith

Forgotten about the lacewings as well!! How could I do that!!??

[debbiem]

Thanks Keith - do the lacewings eat them too? I think the hoverflies have their work cut out with our Woolly Aphids at the moment.

[madonplants]

debbiem said:

Thanks Keith - do the lacewings eat them too? I think the hoverflies have their work cut out with our Woolly Aphids at the moment.

No, but there babies love them!!

Keith

[debbiem]

Thanks Keith, I'll bear that in mind - we don't seem to get many lacewings around here though. But we've noticed more and more ladybirds in the garden, not loads but a few more all the time. It's probably too windy for lacewings here.

[The witch]

Try growing some Nasturtiums nearby - the black fly will love them ;D

[debbiem]

Thanks The witch - I've got some Nasturtiums near, but what I ended up doing was snipping off the infested parts which were right on the tips of the plant, which has probably done it a favour blackfly aside!