flies on tomato plants

[otorongo]

I have these buggers all over my tomato plants, mostly the leaves but also stems, trusses and flowers. They're very small, much smaller than the ordinary fly, so maybe they're not classified as flies but something else.



Most of them are black, some are green and otherwise look the same. I think there are also some eggs(?)

I haven't observed any damage (like holes in the leaves, etc.), but they creep me out as there is so many of them and it doesn't look normal or balanced. Do the pose a threat to my plants? If so, are there any organic/safe ways to get rid of them?

[Two_Sheds]

Aphids, aren't they?

[otorongo]

I think they are, thanks for IDing them, Two Sheds.

I see ladybirds eat them, but haven't seen one since February or March

[Two_Sheds]

You need to squish them with your fingers Oto, before they get down to breeding (they give birth to already-pregnant young ones)

[Terry1968]

I have them as well.. i tried zapping them with bug killer but still have them. there are way too many to squash by hand?..

my 2nd year growing toms and cant remember them last year.. will they pose a threat? or will they engulf the tomatos the way the have the plants??

[Two_Sheds]

Yes, they will engulf the plants if you let them.

You need to squish as many as you can, every day, to get on top of the problem. Or wash them off with a squirt of water from a hosepipe/watering can/squeezy bottle

It's up to you really

Also try letting the natural predators get at them: ladybirds, hoverflies and lacewing larvae will consume LOTS of aphids