Aphids? Eek. Some solutions...

The aphids and (their many relatives) are busy at this time of year, as our roses and other blossoms begin to emerge. This Thursday, I will release 5,000 lacewing larva – the babies are insect eating machines – and the lacewing is one of those amazing ‘good guys’ for our gardens (along with the Soldier bug, Lady bug, Predatory wasps...).

From my favorite bug guy, Ron Whithurst of Rincon Vitova:

“Honeydew (sugary poop) on leaves grows sooty mold - a give away that you have honeydew producing pests like aphid, whitefly, mealybug, scale working the plant.

Spray with 1% soap (Dr Bronner’s or castile soap from Trader Joe’s is inexpensive with water in a spray bottle), let sit a while, 20 min, then wash off with forceful spray of water, then maybe follow up with an oil spray if you want to reduce population. (note from Jae: if you spray blossoms, such as roses, directly from the side, they won’t be damaged. If you are concerned about a stem breaking, you can support gently in your hand while you spray the water.)

Manage ants, they protect the scale from predators and parasites http://www.rinconvitova.com/ant_bait_antpro.htm

Release some lacewing and Lindorus if it needs more clean up in a week or two.
http://www.rinconvitova.com/lacewing.htm
http://www.rinconvitova.com/bulletins_product_htm/Lindorus_BUL.htm

not familiar with the particular scale, a micrograph would help...
http://www.google.com/#hl=en&source=hp&q=usb+microscope&aq=1&aqi=g10&aql=f&oq=usb+micro&gs_rfai=&fp=bcdf8cbbf06dc4f “

happiness,

Ron

Ron Whitehurst
Marketing Manager

Rincon-Vitova Insectaries,
P.O. Box 1555, Ventura, CA 93002-1555
805-643-5407 800-248-2847 (BUGS) fax 805-643-6267

e-mail: bugnet@rinconvitova.com
web: http://www.rinconvitova.com

Biological Solutions for Pest Management

Healing soils and dance? Yes, they're connected.

The Wooden Floor.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPVuwzEBjV0

Words the illustrate why I work with soils, animals and people.

The powerful wisdom of our Native American elders. This is Part 4 of many parts available on YouTube. Peace.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=2BqJMwKZdyE&feature=related

Wondrous blossoming.

This time of year is one of constant change in our gardens. Revery, my name for our own garden, is bursting with the energy of flowers and new growth. This Euphorbia, 'Blackbird', one of my favorite hybrids, becomes a source of drink for the insects.

And this lovely native hybrid, Mimulus, I so often enjoy as it grows among the Coyote Brush in the Berkeley hills.

And my beloved Bearded Irises - so many are ready to burst forth in every imaginable color.

May you enjoy the wonder of your gardens.

Peace,

Jae