Well, this is a very timely request! Just today, Dr. Jeff Gillman, author of The Truth About Garden Remedies and The Truth About Organic Gardening, answers just this question on my blog...

Here is a link that might be useful: Aphids on Daylilies

Over the last two years I have released tons (ok boxes) of ladybugs. They are voracious aphid eaters. The problem seems to be that the garden centers/nurseries never seem to have them in when I start getting aphids. Thankfully, this year, the ladybugs started showing up on their own. Granted, I have only seen about 5 of them and they are like the size of a dime because there are so many aphids, but still... at least they know where free lunch is now...

I only have about 85 DLs in the garden, so I also hand smash the suckers at this time of year. Gets a little sticky, but hey, saves my babies. The aphids always seem to be down in the middle of the fan where the new growth is... so I take my thumb and forefinger and gently squeeze the leaves together - squish those bad dogs... you can hear a slight crackling sound and THAT makes me feel better. Usually I don't like killing things, but somehow aphids and fire ants don't conjure up sympathy...

Hi gone - nice blog :>)

I've got his book and really enjoy it. Lots of myths busted about many things. And it's a fun read.

Now for your aphids - as per your blog - the problems you are having on your dark blooms is probably not caused by aphids but by the dreaded thrips. Thrips are a hot season problem and aphids tend to be a spring problem. Ask him what he would do about thrips because I think that is a chemical remedy if you can't live with the damage to the bloom.

Your aphids can be eliminated now by a strong water spray without even using soap. If you have slugs in your daylilies, you can use ammonia, same ratio as the soap, and it will kill slugs and aphids.

You will have to repeat the process twice, a week apart, to eliminate the new hatchling aphids.

Brooke

Oh, Brooke, I bow to your knowledge! Good to hear from you...and thanks! You know, I am sure you are right....duh! I will have to ask...thanks again!

Praying Mantis are also a nice solution to most insect problems. They will eat any insect they can catch and are also voracious eaters. If you can get them to establish in your garden, they will help a lot. We have egg cases in almost every bush, Japanese Maple, and the English Ivy. From mid to late summer we'll see Mantis everywhere in the garden.

Linda

Just an update to say I asked and Dr. Gillman answered...see below

Here is a link that might be useful: Thrips.....Keep Reading