posted
My sunflowers has ants all over them + aphids too. I do know that they have formed a symbiosis of a mutualism. How do I kill them, or should I.
From: Lubbock, Texas | Registered: Jul 2004
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A jet of water from the hose will blow the aphids off. Also just squishin 'em with your fingers works. If you must get spraying, some pyrethrum with a dash of white oil in it will get 'em. Problem with this is it also kills beneficial predatory bugs like mantis which feed on the aphids. So next year the problem may be worse. I take particular pleasure in squishin the blighters:)
From: East Coast | Registered: Sep 2004
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quote: I take particular pleasure in squishin the blighters:)
I do too!! I like to get mad at the bugs and not the people..
****Miracle Grower,
Also, one side note to aphids and ants, that's a sign that the plant has something wrong with it, ie; nutrition, dirt/soil, watering, etc.. The plant sends out a signal to bugs when it's not healthy and the bugs come runnin' over to it.. So, if you keep your plant healthy, them may not get the bugs next year..
Keep a mental note of why a plant might get them... I'll give you an example, I have a semi~dwarf cherry tree, several years in a row it would get aphids on it, each year I'd watch it earlier and earlier, tryin' to catch those aphids early before they became a serious nuisance... nothing I tried as far as trying to catch them early worked, well, this year, I started watching really early, and guess what no APHIDS, I back tracked and thought, well, this spring was ungodly WET, and now I'm thinkin' the poor plant needed more than I was giving it, so, I will water early and alot this coming spring (if it's dry) and see if there's still no aphids, trial and error and watching and learning and remembering is Mother Natures' Best Teachers...
What were your sunflowers experiences while you grew it this year and check it against the coming years....and you just may find the cure....
Weezie
P/S I grew some colored ones' this summer *birds already got every head I grew* but, those colored seed heads were alot of fun.... Give'em a try!!! I think you'll be hooked!!!
bbbbbbbbb Weezie
Don't forget to be kind to strangers. For some who have done this have entertained angels without realizing it. - Bible - Hebrews 13:2
I found a natural, very effective solution for aphids. Get your hands on about 4 or 5 cups of fresh peppermint and in a pot boil the peppermint in water (enough to cover all the leaves). Let it simmer for about 15 min. Strain the leaves out and then once it is cool, use the decotion in a spray bottle and spray all over your plants.
This REALLY worked wonders on my sweet woodruff plant!
Good luck,
Basker
From: usa | Registered: Oct 2004
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