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Integrated Pest Management

Aphids on milkweed

20 years ago

I have two large milkweed plants in containers next to my veggie garden. I put them there to attract butterflies and it works.

Now, they are covered with aphids (the small yellow ones that look like clusters of eggs). Right now, there is no damage being done and I don't really care too much about the milkweed. I thought I would leave them there as food for any beneficials, but so far none have shown up to feast on them. I am concerned that they may spread to my vegetables, especially as I add more and more as we head into the Fall.

What would you do?

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Comments (3)

rhizo_1 (North AL) zone 7
20 years ago
I would absolutely begin to decrease the population by hand removal or hard water sprays. When aphid populations explode, generations will be born with wings to allow them to move to less crowded locations. You need to work in conjunction with your beneficials to keep aphids under control.
julieann_grow
Original Author
20 years ago
I released some ladybugs today. We'll see how much they get under control. I hope the ladybugs stay around for awhile.
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creatrix
20 years ago
I had terrible aphids on my milkweed patch this year (second year). I hosed and squished and hosed some more, and they were still terrible. The honeydew was attracting flies. It took forever for the ladybugs to show up! Once they did, the problem resolved in a week.

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