How do I get rid of blackfly?

[Mark]

leaving the flat this morning I noticed that the hedge out the front had blackfly on it which are stunting the grown of the leaves. How do I get rid of the pesky blighters?

[spymum]

Spray the hedge with diluted soapy water; that can work quite well. Or, on roses if you squish them with your fingers this seems to deter the rest! Or is that just wishful thinking on my part?

spymum

(Blog: Posh Mum)

[Huguenot]

My Gran always recommended picking them off one at a time with a pair of tweezers and carrying them round the corner...

100% hit rate...

[bawdy-nan]

I think that you can also grow something that attracts them more. You're advised to grow nasturtiums close to tomato plants to tempt the blighters away (works with marigolds too, I think). BUT, I've always wondered why having blackfly on your other plants is such a good thing and if they like these plants so much why having them in your garden doesn't just attract them. But then , my garden, despite my best efforts, is a bit rubbish so what do I know.

[spymum]

Actually that's a good point Bawdy-nan; nasturtiums do get covered with blackfly. But if you grow nasturtiums to draw away the blackfly you still end up having. . . blackfly!

How about this one - attract more song birds and ladybirds into your garden to eat the blighters.

But Huguenot's methodical plan appeals to me for some reason!

spymum

(Blog: Posh Mum)

[Mark]

I've heard of introducing ladybirds to them but I haven't found any recently.

Soapy water sounds like the one to try, will washing up liquidy water suffice?

[spymum]

Yup! You have to douse them with it - absolutely drench the hedge.

Hope it works!

spymum

[Keef]

spymum Wrote:

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> Spray the hedge with diluted soapy water

Is that so they all slide off in comedy fashion? >:D<

[Incitatus]

Best way to get rid of blackfly is to get down and dirty, by that I mean going for finger'n'thumb to fly combat, once you squash over half of the blighters the rest will disappear, works every year with my broad beans.

Ladybirds are really good and you can buy them online, they arrive in a ventilated camera film case together with a piece of popcorn which they nibble in transit.

[Michael Palaeologus]

My Dad used to swearny soapy water and encouraged Ladybirds - and of course they are both organic.

Talk to them sternly Mark! Remember you are British.

[spymum]

See! I was right!! Squish half of them 'manually' and the other half take fright and run away!

The only drawback is that it's youcky...eeuuw!

I think that Mikewbate is right - tell them off. And if I see any men in ED shouting at their hedges I'll know its you, Mark!

[fractionater]

Pee on the bush or Roses.

[Michael Palaeologus]

It does after all get rid of foxes, so blackfly should be a doddle.

[spymum]

You guys, what are you like?! Peeing on stuff is your remedy for all household ills! ::o

spymum

(Blog: Posh Mum)

[mockney piers]

Oh my god. I'm definitely not posting on here asking what to do with red wine spills on the upholstery!!!!

[Michael Palaeologus]

Buy a new sofa to get rid of the smell of wee?