[mrs bouquet]

My dwarf green beans have black fly.  I have tried all the usual methods to no avail.   They are just in flower now.   Can I spray with an insect killer ?  Mrs Bouquet

[missmoneypenny]

Personally I’d squish them, I prefer not to use sprays.

[Aunt Sally]

Spray the bugs with soapy water would be my choice. Even better if you add some white vinegar to it.

[Aunt Sally]

Some good information here:  https://www.allotment-garden.org/gardening-information/home-made-pesticides-unlicensed/

And here:  https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/homemade-bug-sprays#

[mrs bouquet]

Thanks for your replies.  I have tried squishing them.  Also wup/liquid, but they are beating me.  I'll keep trying.   Mrs B

[coldandwindy]

Some good information here:  https://www.allotment-garden.org/gardening-information/home-made-pesticides-unlicensed/

And here:  https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/homemade-bug-sprays#

Thank you, hadn't seen that page. Skimmed milk for mould is a new one on me. Will look into that, thanks.

[Nobbie]

Spray the bugs with soapy water would be my choice. Even better if you add some white vinegar to it.

What does the white vinegar do? I’ve only heard of vinegar used as a weedkiller.

[Aunt Sally]

I think the vinegar pickles them 

John has some information which is very worth reading here:
https://www.allotment-garden.org/gardening-information/home-made-pesticides-unlicensed/
 
So bear in mind that home made pesticides are not legal.

There are some interesting recipes here: 
https://www.homesandgardens.com/gardens/homemade-bug-sprays#:~:text=One%20of%20the%20easiest%20homemade,apply%20to%20the%20affected%20areas.

[Gleavo]

I tolerate aphids on broad beans as they encourage ladybirds etc but they don’t affect the bean growth. I’ve never had the problem with other beans so don’t know if that’s the case with those?

I do spray some stuff with organic neem oil though so may be worth a try? It’s natural so you can just wash anything you want to eat beforehand and it’s fine. There’s lots of info out there on preparation etc.