8 July 2021

Customer Question – Controlling Aphids in poly-tunnel

Q. “Hello! I am looking for some advice on controlling aphids. This is the first time I’ve had a problem with them and blame a bought in plant! I have a poly tunnel and just noticed a heavy infestation on the cucumbers and a few on a neighbouring courgette. Do I need aphidius and/or ladybirds ladybird larvae? can they be used together?” Many Thanks, Gail

A. Thanks for the message and they can be used together, but depends on whether you think this is a one off or if you want on-going control. We tend to use Ladybird Larvae as a one off clean up introduction i.e. the larvae will eat large numbers of aphids and then pupate and disperse and are very good at clearing initial heavy infestations. Aphidius will give long term control, but needs to be introduced when the aphids are just staring as they will not be able to cope with larger numbers of aphids. This is why we normally recommend either spraying with a natural spray i.e. SB Invigorator Natural Spray or releasing ladybird larvae to clear the initial infestation and then once the majority of the aphids have been cleared then you can introduce Aphidius or the Aphid Predator Mix to control the rest and give on-going control.

I hope this makes sense and please visit our Aphid control under-glass page to find out more.

Kind regards Jon @ Green Gardener

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