Little Green Bugs

[mommytotwo]

While I was cutting off the dead cosmos from my plant, I had spotted these little tiny green bugs clinging onto a stem. There was only that one as I had checked the plant. Does anyone know what these are, what sort of affect they will have on my plant, and what sort of action I should take?

[Snowwark]

Sounds like it could be aphids, Patsy. If you just saw one, or a couple of them, I wouldn't worry too much.

You could try spraying the plants with water (best to do in the mornings) to knock them off, or rub/pick them from the plants. An insecticidal soap is another option.

Do you have any ladybugs around? They love to munch on aphids! :)

[mommytotwo]

Originally posted by Snowwark
Sounds like it could be aphids, Patsy. If you just saw one, or a couple of them, I wouldn't worry too much.

You could try spraying the plants with water (best to do in the mornings) to knock them off, or rub/pick them from the plants. An insecticidal soap is another option.

Do you have any ladybugs around? They love to munch on aphids! :)


We don't have many ladybugs around.
Is there a way that I could put together an insecticidal soap or is it something that I would have to buy at the store?

[Snowwark]

Patsy, a basic homemade insecticidal soap would be a mix of a few drops of dishwashing liquid in a quart of water. It's a good idea to spray test it on a few leaves first, also to avoid spraying beneficial insects like ladybugs, as it could harm them.

If that doesn't work, you might want to try a stronger, earth-friendly insecticidal soap from a garden centre.

:D

[mommytotwo]

Thank you, I will try that out today.