[mkhenry]

We all know that no matter what we do sooner or later aphids will attack.

There are however lots of beasties available to us to help reduce or even prevent any infestation.

Lady birds are very well know help mates,but there is one other who quietly does a stirling job,and only needs a little persuasion to live in our veg patch.

Behold the lillte insect with a verocious appetite,the bee look-a-like the super worker the "Hover Fly".

Plant some Poached Egg Plant (Limnanthes Douglasii) or some Buck Wheat (Fagopyrum Esculentum) and you may get 20 plus species to lay their eggs and help to protect your crop.

Plant the Tobaco plant (Nicotiana Sylvestris) and its sticky leaves will trap white fly by the hundreds.

Remember if you rid your garden completly of one insect the chances are you will let another take over.  Its best to try for a healthy balance. Try not to overkill anything there is room for most of these beasties and they all fill a purpoise.  

Please take a look at my other hints and tips on the link below.

[SnooziSuzi]

Good plan MKH,   but I see more mealy aphids on my sprouts and there's not a ladybird / ladybird larvae / lacewing / hoverfly to be seen at this time of year....

what would you suggest?  I've been using soapy water but they still survive and I don't want to use chemicals  :?

[mkhenry]

Good plan MKH,   but I see more mealy aphids on my sprouts and there's not a ladybird / ladybird larvae / lacewing / hoverfly to be seen at this time of year....

what would you suggest?  I've been using soapy water but they still survive and I don't want to use chemicals  :?

Insecticidal soap will work for most types. Soapy water may just be running off or is just not strong enough.

[mkhenry]

Good plan MKH,   but I see more mealy aphids on my sprouts and there's not a ladybird / ladybird larvae / lacewing / hoverfly to be seen at this time of year....

what would you suggest?  I've been using soapy water but they still survive and I don't want to use chemicals  :?

Tell me what do these "mealy aphids" look like

[Aunt Sally]

Nasty little grey bugs Henry

I've got a few on my sprouts

[mkhenry]

Nasty little grey bugs Henry

I've got a few on my sprouts

I was asking to make certain that is what they are.
Some times people call things by their own names.  

[Aunt Sally]

They make a nasty mess. The chook don't mind them, but I do  

[SnooziSuzi]

yep, that's the critters!

[mkhenry]

yep, that's the critters!

Birds love em.  The soap will sort em.  But they are notoriously difficult to control.
Do not leave old stems in the ground,every little helps.