[Salmo]

My runner beans are starting to get infested with black aphids. On close inspection I soon found a dozen ladybirds. Judging by their amorous activity we should soon see babies.

My initial thought was to reach for bug off but this will knock out the ladybirds. I suspect that a spray with washing up liquid, soap or fatty acid solution would not help the ladybird cause either.

The question is, will a bit of finger squidging and a sharp spray with plain water be enough to keep the aphids in bounds until there are enough ladybird babies to eradicate them?

[galen]

I do the " bit of finger squidging and a sharp spray with plain water " and it seems to work on my half a plot - Then again for the second year running I do have an invasion of ladybirds 

[pigeonpie]

I seem to have acquired a plague of black aphids in the last 24 hours on all my beans.  I went out to spray them tonight but whilst doing so found something of more concern...
2 Harlequin ladybirds happily procreating.
I have recorded the find and ask others to be vigilant and to record all sightings so that they can help build a better picture of the problem.

http://www.harlequin-survey.org/

[Kristen]

Does spraying with soapy water upset the lady birds? their larva etc?