Aphid problem

dean young · #1 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 04:08 PM

Hi all,i seem to have a problem with small light blue aphids setting up shop on both my Bird Cherry shrubs(Prunus Padus) There are also black ants patroling up and down the shrubs,is this normal??I can only asume that the ants are there to protect the shrub. Please could someone advise me?

aeshna5 · #2 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 04:41 PM

The ants will be guarding the aphids as they secrete honeydew from their rear end which the ants relish. Aphids have so many predators + parasitoids I wouldn't worry too much as large numbers can disappear in a short space of time.

Too many people run for the spray gun at the first sign of aphids, but I don't use them +natural predators from Blue Tits to ladybirds to parasitic wasps keep them under control.

Best accept them as part of the biodiversity (horrible word) in your garden.

Cotham Marble · #3 (**permalink**) 03-05-2010, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by aeshna5

Too many people run for the spray gun at the first sign of aphids, but I don't use them +natural predators from Blue Tits to ladybirds to parasitic wasps keep them under control. Best accept them as part of the biodiversity (horrible word) in your garden.

Agree that really is the best approach. If there is a heavy infestation on a particularly important plant - showy rose or something like that, then simply use a stiffish paint brush to sweep the aphids onto a sheet of card and then deposit onto bird table.

CM