Blackfly

[Kimbo]

I have now found blackfly on my runner beans. Fortunately I have just made up some rhubarb spray to do the broad beans with - how many times should I spray the beans with it?

[Two_Sheds]

don't bother...just squish them in your fingers. Use gloves if you must !

[Mulberry]

Did just that (squish 'em that is) when I had them on my dahlias.

[jools]

Get rid of the ants. Honestly... bet there are ants herding, milking & protecting your blackfly from predators. I used to have terrible blackfly problems in my cherry tree. Got rid of the ants and Ihaven't had a problem since.
Jools

[shirlthegirl43]

Get rid of the ants. Honestly... bet there are ants herding, milking & protecting your blackfly from predators. I used to have terrible blackfly problems in my cherry tree. Got rid of the ants and Ihaven't had a problem since.
Jools

Got to ask - what method did you use to eradicate the ants?

[jools]

Antpowder at the foot of the plant. Sorry, don't know if that's considered a no-no if you are gardening organically, but to my mind it beats spraying the fruit.
Julie

[shirlthegirl43]

K, I use tons of ant powder - seems to just move the little blighters from one area to another! Thought you might have some secret weapon!

[rustylady]

If you have blackfly and don't want to use insecticides, try spraying with a fairly forceful jet of plain water to wash them off. Slightly better than squishing them with bare hands.