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Paul O. · 22-01-2008, 02:50 AM posted to rec.gardens

"David Hare-Scott" wrote in message
...

"Paul O." wrote in message
...
You folks have any favorite, effective recepies? I wanted to spray some
of
my flowers for the ants and the little thingies that thet seem to herd
and
take care of, but didn't want to use anything that will harm the bees and
humming birds. I've heard of soap and water but don't really know how
effective that would be.

--
Paul O.

If you use an insecticide, even a fairly benign one, or a "natural" one
like
pyrethrum, it kills insects. That means bees and other beneficials as
well as
the harmfuls. Finding out what exactly it is that is causing the problem
is a
good start. Ants tend to aphids and to mealy bugs, both of which are
harmful
to plants.

You can try to wash off the bugs and ants, once the bugs are gone the ants
will go too. The aphids that are washed off will die as they cannot get
back
up to the soft shoots etc that they like to suck on. Washing is not too
hard
with aphids but a few will hang on and breed up again quickly if the
conditions are right. Mealy bugs are really hard to wash off. Mealy bugs
are
really hard to get rid of - pray you don't have them.

You can use an insecticide when the bees are not around, ie after sunset.
If
you use a contact spray (pyrethrum will kill aphids easily) and don't get
it
on the bees they will be safe.

David

Thanks David for the tips.
--
Paul O.