I need some help in deciding what to do about these three... I have a pretty extensive collection of milkweed that I love (Asclepias tuberosa), and it has some of each of these critters. What are the pros (if any) of keeping any of these three around? And the cons? How do I get rid of the milkweed beetles- they bite, and that's nearly a deal-breaker for me unless they have some strong benefits. Any advice on what to do here would be much appreciated!
Good/Bad/Ugly?:Milkweed beetles, aphids, assasin bugs
Sellier, for the aphids I use dishwashing liquid soap, 1 tablespoon to a quart of water,
and spray them with it, that will kill the aphids. I they are very heavily infested you might have to apply two or three days in a row, but that will kill them, be sure to wet the stems and under the leaves, as the like to hide there.
For beetles and other bugs I like ot take a wide mouth container like a saucepan with a handle and fill it half way with hot water, then I hold the pan close to the plant and shake the bugs into the hot water.
You would be surprised how many you can eliminate that way, without using anything harmful. Then I flush them down the toilet, usually two or three bug safaris, will take care of them.
I hope that helps.
Josephine.