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.

 

[mommytotwo]

Thank you, I will try that out today.