white flys and aphids eating everything!

[momofFireball]

HELP!! What can I do to get rid of white flys and aphids? I have spent tons of money renovating my backyard area and purchasing plants only to be devoured by both of these teeny little things. They sure do lots of damage in a short amount of time! I'm leary about using poison for the aphids (on a hibiscus) as I have lots of hummingbirds coming around and don't want to harm them. The white flys are on potato vines, petunias and who knows what else.

How do I buy ladybugs or a mantis? Does this really work? Thank you! I'm looking forward to being a part of this community!

[Mandy]

Welcome momofFireball, this is the right site to come to if you need advice or just want to share any garden stories. They do say you can get rid of aphids with a good burst of water from a garden hose but ladybugs are also a proven solution. I applaud you for having second thoughts about turning to pesticides, sometimes you can do more harm then intended. Maybe check with a local garden center or local extension office for advice on locating ladybugs. I'm sure you can buy them online. Hopefully someone here might have some better advice. At any rate, glad to meet you.

[unicorn2564]

http://www.ipm.ucdavis.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7404.html

Here is a little reading for you with some ideas.

[zuzu's petals]

Hiya MomofFireball! Glad to have you with us,
sorry that you're being bugged.

I'm with both you and Mandy when it comes to using chemicals,
preferring to let nature create a balance in my gardens.
It worries me that even some organic insecticides will wipe out the goodies right along with the baddies.
It's mainly ornamentals for me, so I can afford some damage
without it costing my family any food on the table .

The method that Mandy mentioned works well for me,
the garden hose is my first tool of choice to discourage pest insects.
I begin regular, daily "water attacks" as soon as I first spy them or their damage.
Usually, when there get to be enough of the bad bugs,
the good ones suddenly show up to have a field day.

The plants may look rough for a while,
but healthy plants can almost always survive the damage,
so I also try to take extra good care of the plants that sustain infestation.

I know that Mandy is right, I've seen the Ladybug & Mantis "kits" available online
and in a number of gardening catalogues that come to my mailbox.
Oh! And don't forget the Green Lacewings, those are also fantastic Aphid eaters.

[unicorn2564]

http://www.growquest.com/free_ladybugs.htm

[bhscarlett]

i think a few months back Gary had some good advice on bugs , water as they say and some liquid dish soap,, i think you can use search and put in bugs for the word, or bug killers, blessings, beth

[trudy]

these plants are host plants for these insects. They help keep other plants pest free.

[bali]

My hoya is prone to white fly ....so I sprayed that with rubbing alchol. Havent seen them since.........The plant is growing like there is no 2maro.

We'll see .