Root aphids - how to deal with them?

[1Bee]

Hi - I've got root aphids in one of my small raised beds that were filled with MPC. I've taken out the lettuces (they went into the compost dalek before I read up on what was bothering them....) but I'm left soil crawling with nasties and I want to use the space. If I dig out the MPC, can I use it as a mulch somewhere? Compost it? Treat it with something and then use it?

Advice gratefully appreciated.

I was so happy to find that my cold frame would fit almost exactly on top of my raised bed, and was going to try bringing on some late pak choi/tatsoi and winter lettuce in its shelter. Now it looks like that plan is a no go....

[Penellype]

I don't know of anything organic that will get rid of root aphids, so what I would be inclined to do is leave the bed with nothing in it for a few days to allow the birds and other natural predators to pick them out. My guess (and it is no more than a guess) is that these critturs need something to eat, and as you have removed their source of food, they will either die or move elsewhere fairly soon. I could be wrong, and someone else may have a better idea.

Meanwhile, do you have somewhere you can start off your other plants in modules or pots while you are waiting for the raised bed?

[mothhawk]

I don't know much about root aphids, but I'm sure I once read that when their food supply is nearly exhausted they develop wings and leg it to new plants. Could be wrong on that though.

There's a nematode for fungus gnat that seems to control other insects in the soil too. Might be worth asking if they would control root aphid. It's called Steinernema feltiae.

And I agree with Penellype- use that patch as a bird table. Keep raking the soil over to turn up the critturs, and scatter fine bread or biscuit crumbs there to encourage dunnocks and robins and other insect eaters down.

[mothhawk]

The composted lettuces probably would have eggs on them, so unless you are hot composting, that binful may well be contaminated. I would not spread your MPC anywhere - it will spread the problem. I'd be much more inclined to dig it out and take it lock, stock, and barrel to the tip.

And be hygienic with your tools. Any you've used in the root aphid bed, wash well before using elsewhere.

[1Bee]

Thanks, guys. Yes, I wish I hadn't composted the lettuces before I realised what I was dealing with... Never mind.

Penellype, the suggestion about starting them off elsewhere is brilliant, thank you. Why didn't I think of that?!?