CLOSED: Tons of red bugs!

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MOLLYBEE Villa Rica, GA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

Wondering what in the world these red bugs are?? They seem to stay piled up together, on my butterfly weed. Can't really see that they are doing any damage just yet but would like to know if they plan on it.
TIA

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poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Aug 20, 2003

They're aphids and the milkweeds seem to attract plenty of them. You can try to battle them by hosing them off with a strong stream off water or maybe a mild soap solution. Anything stronger might harm your caterpillars.

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MaryE Baker City, OR(Zone 5b) Aug 20, 2003

Ladybugs to the rescue!

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MOLLYBEE Villa Rica, GA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

I just assumed that Aphids were soft bodied. These are hard shell bugs. Eaither way I gotta do something quickly!
Thanks for the help!

Post #622229
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poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Aug 20, 2003

They're hard shelled? Maybe I jumped the gun... aphids wouldn't have a hard shell. Maybe they're some sort of plant bug? If that's the case it will probably take more than soapy water to get rid of them. Try to knock the bugs off into a bucket of water mixed with a little ammonia.

Post #622235
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flowox Newark, OH(Zone 5a) Aug 20, 2003

if not go buy that stuff from Schultz that I told you about. Those things look........well...........ugh

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MOLLYBEE Villa Rica, GA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

I'll try that Poppysue. Ya know now that I look at them closer, there are a few of them that are bigger than a ladybug! Thanks

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poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Aug 20, 2003

Plant bugs go through several different stages.... from eenie weenie lil' thangs... to flying beasties!

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MOLLYBEE Villa Rica, GA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

Yikes! I have noticed that as the days go by they do seem to be getting bigger. But then again I can't tell that they are doing any real damage to the butterfly weed. They just pile up on one of the seed pods and sit there.

Post #622243
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poppysue Westbrook, ME(Zone 5a) Aug 20, 2003

Here they are! http://www.ivyhall.district96.k12.il.us/4th/kkhp/1insects/milkweed.html They're immature milkweed bugs - Duh!

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MOLLYBEE Villa Rica, GA(Zone 7a) Aug 20, 2003

Yep thats them alright! Thanks for the help!

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