Been fighting green aphids for the last two weeks on my indoor starts (mostly on pepper plants) I finally got them under control a few days ago (pyrethrin). Now today I just noticed these tiny darkish specs. Anyone know what these are?
Thanks in advance!
One possibility is simply more (and different) aphids, but images are too blurry to be certain...
This message was edited Apr 21, 2015 5:27 AM
Here's a couple more. They are so small having a hard time getting anything good...
I was wondering if they were a different color aphid. I didn't want to spray pyrethrin again unless it would be the right choice for the pest...
Thanks again.
Definitely look like aphids - Have you tried an insecticidal soap?
This has been my first battle with aphids indoors; what a pain ;)
I have tried insecticidal soap, neem oil, horticultural oil, & a concoction of alcohol/original dawn/ water recommended by CSU extension. Always applied at night & for the insecticidal soap, neem, horticultural oil I wipe the leaves off after ~1 hour otherwise I get leaf burn when the lights come on.
I am diligent in following the directions for the item used & getting all parts of the plants. These work initially but within 2-3 days the green aphid population is back to where it was before spraying. I have also treated all my houseplants with Bonide houseplant imidacloprid granules & spraying down leaves so those aren't a safe haven.
I used pyrethrin last Friday and have not seen a green aphid since then. Now these brown ones are creeping up. I spent 3 hours spraying pyrethrin again last night and that seems to have helped. I would like to alternate products as a layered approach seems best. I have insecticidal soap with pyrethrin on order as I could not find it locally within ~80 miles. Now the population is down, I'm hoping to avoid use of pyrethrin and maintain with a less toxic option...
Once these are planted out, lady bugs & mantids will make it easier :) We are still getting freezes so nobody is shipping ladybugs to the area yet.
Flapdoodle - Thank you for your help! I really do appreciate it!
