The Hot Pepper

If you're going the insecticidal soap route you have to spray them every day without fail for a couple weeks. Best thing I found is to get ladybugs. I get them from Buglogical.com, but there are other good vendors out there and you may be able to get some locally. BUT - don't get them now that you've blasted the plants with chemicals, as those chemicals will kill the ladybugs. Find a source you like and be ready for next time, though. Best wishes!

I like ladybugs too, but nearly all mine departed the next day. Trying aphidius colemani now, and loving the fact they flew straight towards the aphids when I released them. Time will tell whether they actually help or not, though I have high hopes.

burn everything, that should work.

@MH - I release mine in the house when my overwinters get aphids - they don't have anywhere else to go. Let us know how things work out - I hope they wipe them out for you!

Thanks geeme. Mine were released outside so that's probably why. I did read (afterwards unfortunately) that spraying them with a 50/50 coke water mix stops them from flying and helps keep them around long enough to breed and lay eggs. Also want to add, lacewing larvae work great on aphids too. I had some turn up naturally last year and they worked great til the assassin bugs ate them. They also work great for whiteflies too.

Thanks for the advice on predators, folks. I will definitely employ them if aphids persist when I plant out. But right now, I'm gonna try HotShot NPS in a garbage bag. (I worked really well on the OWs that received it.) Will soap residue hurt lady bugs?

Punch em

Meathead, those wasps sound like fun. It's just not enough to watch aphids get devoured alive by ladybugs anymore!

"Burn everything" "Punch 'em" lol It's like you guys are in my head!

I've had good luck with Azamax

Pyretherin twice a week apart killed all of mine every time. But you have to get every nook and cranny. They love to hide in flowers.

How old were your plants when you used pyrethrin? I tried it when they were younger and they turned yellow and stopped growing for a while.