Aphids (Greenfly)

Latest Update 2nd August 2017.

Aphids (Greenfly).

• Binomial Name:                            Macrosiphum Rosae.
• Family:                                           Aphididae.

Why Greenfly are a Pest.

• In my garden, I usually find them on new buds on roses in early spring.  If left they will munch their way through the new buds and shoots and deform the flowers.

Pest Control.

• Aphids are normally dormant in winter, but occasionally I will come across a cluster of them after a spell of warmer weather
• I spray my garden with aerated compost tea every month to toughen up plant foliage. 
• They are best removed early in the season before they get a foothold.  Just wash them off the plants foliage or flowers using a jet of water from a hose.
• If they do get out of control, spray them with a 10% solution of organic full cream milk in rainwater.  Take care to avoid collateral damage among the beneficial insect population by spraying early in the morning.