Chickvic Posted June 29, 2013 Share Posted June 29, 2013 This is a bit of an odd request - does anyone know where we can purchase live ladybirds? We have a dwarf cherry tree that is seriously overrun with aphids! I don't want to use pesticides (right next to chicken run) and looking it up seems the best natural thing is ladybirds. We had loads a few years ago but none this year. Any help gratefully received! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 I don't think I've ever seen them for sale ... Wiggly Wigglers sell most things, take a look herefor their 'grow your own' nematodes. I usually spray aphids with soapy water (just washing-up liquid and water in a hand sprayer), the soap allows the water to penetrate their 'skin' and kills them, or you could just use a hose on a light spray and wash them off. Otherwise you should be ok in a few weeks, wasps eat aphids ... Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sjp Posted June 30, 2013 Share Posted June 30, 2013 try here http://www.greengardener.co.uk/product.asp?id_pc=34&cat=75 Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
craftyhunnypie Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 One of our rose bushes was covered in aphids. I just attacked it by shaking a load of diatom over it. It got rid of all aphids & is now in full bloom! Emma.x Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted July 2, 2013 Share Posted July 2, 2013 According to Monty Don on Gardeners' World you shouldn't spray anything with soapy water as it kills all flying things including bees....I was horrified when I saw it as I have done just that in the past. Hose them off is what he says. Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Chickvic Posted July 4, 2013 Author Share Posted July 4, 2013 We ordered the ladybird larvae and hopefully they will help but of course we also found ladybirds on the tree last night - never mind there are enough aphids to go around! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Olly Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 According to Monty Don on Gardeners' World you shouldn't spray anything with soapy water as it kills all flying things including bees....I was horrified when I saw it as I have done just that in the past. Hose them off is what he says. I can see that this would be true for all insects, because it works by penetrating the cells of the exoskeleton - however, I only ever spray it directly on to aphids, and the soapy water drips off very quickly to the ground. Aphids also tend to collect on stems/leaves, whereas bees will be going directly to the flowers - I'm as keen to preserve bees as anyone, but I think I'll continue using it in these limited circumstances on individual plants, such as roses, or runner beans - I certainly wouldn't advocate wholesale spraying, e.g. on a tree, so you're right to point this out. To be honest if it's a small amount of aphids I usually just rub them off with my fingers, it can get a bit sticky though! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Old Speckled Hen Posted July 4, 2013 Share Posted July 4, 2013 a small amount of aphids I usually just rub them off with my fingers I seem to get away lightly.....they just get my pansies I had whitefly traps in the greenhouse till I found a baby wren spreadeagled on one so the place is just full of companion plants now....so far so good! Now, sawfly.........I could go on forever! Quote Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
