[baydigger]

Hi...newbie here. Just wondering what I can do with these millions of horrible looking grey insects that are living on some of my Brussels Sprouts plants. We have about 20 plants, 5 or so of which have become home to huge colonies of these things. I'm worried they're going to eat them to the ground then start on the rest 'til there's nothing left...is there anything organic I can use to get rid of them or are they here for good? TIA

[JohnB47]

Do you mean flies? If so, they're possibly cabbage whiteflys - have a look halfway down this page:

http://www.allotment-garden.org/vegetable/brassicas/brassica-pest-problem.php

If they're not flies, can you describe them - or send a picture?

[Rampant_Weasel]

sounds like mealy aphid, bug clear for fruit and veg is organic as its made from rapeseed oil.

[joyfull]

sounds like grey aphids to me, they really infest in great numbers.  Make a big mug of dilute molasses and go out to your plants and drink it while you have a think. 

I suppose this is goodbye.

why do you insist on posting these comments? You have been repeatedly informed that this treatment is banned over here by the EU and as a responsible forum we have to abide by the law.

[dig4victory]

I had grey aphid type beasties last year on some cabbages and I just blasted them off with the jet setting on the hose, at point blank range. 

[SarahB]

why do you insist on posting these comments? You have been repeatedly informed that this treatment is banned over here by the EU and as a responsible forum we have to abide by the law.

Maltodextrin, on the other hand, is perfectly legal - sold with additives under the brand name Eradicoat (and probably others by now).  Horrendously expensive when compared to the cost of raw maltodextrin and insecticidal soap, though.  I've also got a feeling that it's probably broad-spectrum, but then a lot of the organic sprays are. 

[baydigger]

Thanks folks...got some Bug Clear so will try that on them...after a good hosing down first (them, not me... )

[Flump]

sounds like grey aphids to me, they really infest in great numbers.  Make a big mug of dilute molasses and go out to your plants and drink it while you have a think. 

I suppose this is goodbye.

why do you insist on posting these comments? You have been repeatedly informed that this treatment is banned over here by the EU and as a responsible forum we have to abide by the law.

ooer! Greenun...you're such a stirrer!and in sooo much trouble 

[PennyS]

They're horrible aren't they - I've got them on the cauliflowers.
Going to investigate the organic spray...