Laydird larvae, aphids and ants!

[slimrbp]

Bit of a convoluted title but really after some advice using predators to control aphids.

A number of my wildlfower plants have a heavy aphid problem and also have an associated bodyguard of black ants (fascinating to watch). The Red Campion in particular is starting to suffer!

I was going to get some Ladybird Larvae to release so they could munch on the larvae. My main concern is that the ants will attack the larvae in order to protect their 'herd', are the larvae able to protect themselves?

I know the adults can hunker down or fly off but as this option isn't available to the larvae I don't want to release them only for them to be beaten up or killed!

One plan is to apply a natural spray (SB Invigorator) to get the numbers down and then get some larvae to try and keep it in check.

Thanks,

[charlieb]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

... a number of my wildlfower plants ...

Isn't the point of having wildflowers to attract wildlife?

[slimrbp]

Yes it was and yes aphids do count as wildlife but as the wildflowers are newly planted and are only just getting established I thought it might help them along if I could reduce the infestation at least until they are stronger and then leave them to it. Also the added bonus would be Ladybirds...

[Cotham Marble]

Originally Posted by slimrbp

A number of my wildlfower plants have a heavy aphid problem and also have an associated bodyguard of black ants (fascinating to watch). The Red Campion in particular is starting to suffer!

I'm puzzled by what you mean by "starting to suffer". Damage to the top of the plant at this time of year (which is where I assume the aphids are congregating), will not affect it's long term health if it does develop as a perenniel (it may simply behave as a biennniel and you may lose it this year anyway).

One of the 'points' about growing native wildflowers is that they are in the main, adapted to supporting a high level of invertebrate infestation. It is this invertebrate population that serves as a base (primarily as a food source) that attracts and supports an increase in the overall wildlife population of a garden. So the aphids are part of the deal.

Whether you decide to introduce ladybird larvae or leave it to the local population to spread into your garden, should not in the long run make that much difference. In any event you can safely leave the ladybirds and the ants to sort themselves out in terms of which gets the upper hand in exploiting the aphids.

If you really are bothered about the aphid burden on particular plants, try removing them with a small stiffish paint brush with a piece of card held against the stems to catch the aphids you dislodge - and if you've got birds still coming to feeders just deposit the aphids there.

CM

[slimrbp]

Thanks for the reply, this is my first garden and therefore attempt at growing anything at all.

Thanks for the reassurance about the aphids not causing major damage, I am more than happy to leave them be and let nature sort it out.

Will bear in mind the brush plan for our veggie crops!

[acherontia]

Originally Posted by Cotham Marble

If you really are bothered about the aphid burden on particular plants, try removing them with a small stiffish paint brush with a piece of card held against the stems to catch the aphids you dislodge - and if you've got birds still coming to feeders just deposit the aphids there.

CM

What a brilliant idea!
I'm definately of the mind to leave it all to sort itself out . Just a bit of patience and in a few years your garden will be a wonderful haven for wildlife - because you've taken the trouble to make the effort and listen to the great advice you get here!

Acherontia

[Jenny W]

Nice one for planting native - more people should do it! But as has been said, native plants are adapted to cope with native invertebrates. Enjoy the wildlife they attract!