"Robert" wrote in message
...

"Alan Holmes" wrote in message
...
:
: Earlier in the year I planted some broad beans, have never planted
: them before, and as they were a bit of a disappointment I'll
: probably never plant them again.
:
: Had heard about problems with blackfly but the broad beans
: seemed to develop without any problems, but at the last minute
: blackfly did appear, I sprayed the beans with soapy water and
: that seemed to solve the problem, the beans have now been
: taken up as the crop was picked, but:-
:
: I've been away for about 18 days and on my return the runner beans
: and some other things were being attacked including the camellias,
: SWMBO has suggested that it is a common problem this year.
:
: I'm very concerned about the runner beans, I was going to spray them
: with a soapy mixture, but is there any other solution?
:
: Alan
: --
: Reply to alan(at)windsor-berks(dot)freeserve(dot)co(dot)uk

The only way to do it before they get infested is to go around and rub
them
out as they appear. They seem to die out then or the birds get them but
they
don't take over. If they are covered I think your soapy water spray is the
best option, although I would have a good go at crushing a few between the
fingers.


I do this on my nasturtiums. I put on a rubber glub, and run my fingers
alon any stems etc infested, then turn the leaves over so the birds can see
them. Almost as soon as I go indoors there are hungry blue tits and finches
eating mashed blackfly.