Read the Label regarding sprays. It will say if it is safe to use around
fish. IME, the most permanent thing is squish them on the pad/plant they're
on. This gets rid of them and the eggs they've laid and you don't spread
them to other plants. Also, IME, squishing seems to clear up the problem
within a few times of doing this.

Very important, remove leaves as they start to yellow, aphids are attracted
to that color and to weaken plants, like a dying pad. ~ jan

On Thu, 17 Jun 2004 16:51:32 -0700, JGW wrote:

Hi. I know the subject of aphids has come up on this list a number of
times before. I just did a search of the archives to see what folks
suggest and the suggestions have been:
1. squish em (YUK!)
2. Hose em off
3. Insectacidal soap
4. Herbal repellant
5. some special kind of diatomacious earth

Here are my questions:
1. When you use insectacidal soap, do you have to take the plants out
of the pond first, spray em, let em dry, and hose off the soap? Is it
safe for the fish if it gets into the pond water?

2. Does anybody know if the herbal sprays (strong-smelling stuff like
mint, thyme, etc.) are safe to use directly in the pond? Like if it
gets into the pond water, is it okay for the fish?

Thanks.

Joan

(Do you know where your water quality is?)