Blackcurrants - what is this pest?

[lbt]

Hi

I have these all over my blackcurrant bushes. What are they?

I was going to treat them with watered down washing up liquid - would that help?

Many thanks

[pipkins]

Looks like they may be Currant Aphids.

[chris]

It'd help yes - I think it stops them breathing (or similar). I'd wipe as many off as you can first.. squishing them as you do, then give the leaves a squirt.

[Two_Sheds]

Do as the others have suggested (squish and wash them off), but they aren't fatal so don't worry if you don't get them all

[ginger ninger]

Keep an eye out for scaly insects as well they tend to stick to the older stems. I had a problem with them last year. I also had them on my bay bush, when you move them they have like a cotton wool under them. I found this helpful.

[zazen999]

Get some ladybirds and place them nearby - they should munch happily away on them and clear them away for you.

[purplekat]

I've just noticed my blackcurrant is the same, I'm just going to leave mine and hope the ladybirds /hoverflies find them though

[WelshGirl]

My blackcurrant is the same too. Have been spraying with soapy water for the past few days now, finally seem to have got the last of them today. Keeping a close eye on the plant though in case they come back!

[lbt]

Thanks so much everyone.

I'm just about to squash and squirt them now, and I'll spray again for a couple of days if I need to.

Zazen, on the subject of ladybirds, I've tried encouraging them into the garden with homemade and bought ladybird houses, and ladybird food but haven't really seen any. If I buy some (I assume this would be mail order??), how can I encourage them to stay?

Many thanks

[Alex_Parrott]

I would not bother with all the commercial "rubbish" (my oppinion). I dont think you can go wrong with just making sure you have all of the natural things in your garden or allotment to attract and house them. This link has a little bit of info but also gives help on attracting other good preadtors

Wildlife gardening - Ladybirds

[Two_Sheds]

If I buy some (I assume this would be mail order??), how can I encourage them to stay?

My plot (we're nearly all organic) is crawling with ladybirds, but none at all in my back garden (suburban estate)
Ladybirds need to eat, which means you need to leave some aphids for them: don't annihilate the lot, just keep them under control.

My garden at home is organic, but that's not enough. My neighbouring gardens have either been paved over for parking, or are bare barren lawns. There's nothing for ladybirds, or anything else, to eat, so the wildlife stays away

[wellie]

Alex Parrott, I agree with you.
'Get Some Ladybirds'?!

[jojo2910]

I have the same on 2 of my currants. The leaves are starting to curl up and wilt. Is it the aphids causing this or something else?

[Jeanied]

Jo I think you will need to uncurl a leaf and find out - you need to check for other bugs but it does sound like aphis sucking sap. Not fatal but does weaken the growth.
As you touch the blackcurrant leaf, notice how fragrant it is - it can be used in cooking (without aphis!)