Blackfly on runner beans

brucesgirl · « **on:** June 25, 2007, 09:08 »

Last night I noticed that the stalks on the runner beans were absolutely smothered in blackfly. There were quite a few ants on there too, were they eating them?
How can I get rid, not keen on spraying, thought maybe if I wiped them all off with a cloth?
Any ideas?

DD. · « **Reply #1 on:** June 25, 2007, 09:14 »

The ants will be 'milking' them, not killing them, I'm afraid. They actually want them there.

Organic way is to spray them with soapy water. (Squirt of Fairy Liquid in a sprayer).

brucesgirl · « **Reply #2 on:** June 25, 2007, 09:39 »

I did try that last year for greenfly but it didn't work. but what about if I soak a cloth in soapy water and wipe them with that?

DD. · « **Reply #3 on:** June 25, 2007, 09:43 »

Quote from: "brucesgirl"

I did try that last year for greenfly but it didn't work. but what about if I soak a cloth in soapy water and wipe them with that?

If you're happy to wipe them off with a cloth, I don't think you need bother about the soap!

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