INFESTATIONS!!! Broad beans and thyme :-(

[GemskiB]

So it seems I have some unwelcome little insects... I think the ones in my broad beans are greenfly?


Pics of the flies and the leaves... I was wondering what was munching them but never saw anything til tonight. The means that are growing are looking healthy:

But I suppose compared to how many flowers there were I am disappointed with the crop so far? Don't really know I've never grown then before.

I was wondering if it was monster aphids on my broad beans; but the. By total coincidence I found this on my thyme plant:

And a few of these:


I feel all gross and itchy like they are all over me!! What is the best thing to do?

I had aphids on chilli plants indoors once and the reading I did then said its best to keep plants outside. All very well but it's so warm now.

Should I spray them both, and can they both have the same spray? Sad times, but I've put so much effort into my garden this year I really want the best from it!

[Two_Sheds]

The green bugs are greenfly, yes.

The holes in the broadie leaves are from snails.

Lack of beans? It looks very dark where they are. Not ideal conditions, really.

[Two_Sheds]

Should I spray them both

Sprays will kill beneficial insects too, so no don't do that. Just squish them with your fingers (wear rubber gloves if you're squeamish).

You need to keep on top of aphids: don't let them get out of control & too numerous. Squish them as they appear, before they can breed

[GemskiB]

There are far too many aphids to squish... I will have a go. I read somewhere about a weak solution of washing up liquid could help?

It's darkish just now but they get plenty of sun in the day, the garden is south ish facing but the fence is only up one side. I wonder if I'm reading too much into it considering how long they have been in and having just seen the greenfly :-)

Greenfly wise I will give them a squish too. Thanks!!

[out in the cold]

The WUL solution has helped us with blackfly recently.

Not sure if effective against greenfly???

[rustylady]

Greenfly, blackfly and aphids are all the same thing - they come in other colours too

[cielbleu]

maybe you can try neem oil spray? I did it on my toms and it works, the downside is it won't kill them instantly, you have to wait for few days.

Neem Oil: The Wonder Spray of Organic Gardening

[GemskiB]

Wow thanks Cielbleu, I have just had a squint and that looks like a possible solution :-) its not nice using anything on the garden but I don't want to lose any crops. Will see if I can ind anywhere near me that stocks it!