Aphids week 10 of flowering

[Skunk]

Hi, I was looking at my plants the other night and notice aphids. I am around week 10 of flowering, all stigmas are white and perky and trics are clear. Is it too late to use insecticidal soap?

[tvbfe]

Yes, don't soap your buds

[Skunk]

Great! Thank you for your quick reply. Do aphids commonly get into flowers or do the stay on the leaves?

[tvbfe]

No problem Skunk Not sure myself never had aphids. Maybe some yellow sticky traps to draw away from your flowers? Somebody will know more

[Blazed227]

Not sure but u might try lady bugs or a mantis, lady bugs will eat them, I had a leaf hopper problem towards the end of flower an was scared to spray my buds, the mantis ate them allin like 4 days.. not sure if they will eat aphids tho

[Skunk]

Thanks. Im in new england and a bug guy to boot. Cant find a lady bug to save my life. Typically i get calls daily for them entering hotels this time if year...murphys law

[Canuck147]

If I ever got aphids, I'd use a combination of water and dish soap. Works on roses. If you're growing outside get a potted mum plant, they keep bugs away.

[Skunk]

Whats the ratio for soap to water? Apply it with a spray bottle? Do i need a rinse?

[Canuck147]

spray bottle indeed - I believe about 4 parts water to 1 part soap - sorry- not sure about a rinse. Never rinsed the roses anyways.

[Canuck147]

Actually Danny Danko answered that very question in the latest High Times - he says - Green Lacewings are predatory insects that feast on aphids. Sometimes referred to as 'aphid lions' - order them on line and get their eggs shipped. Plant them in your soil and a few days later, aphids are on the menu.

[Skunk]

Good tip. Ordered 1000 eggs online this morning...munch munch munch...buh bye aphids

[Alaskawookie]

Neem oil with a dish soap mix- kills everything