Aphids seem to be making an early appearance this year, and I’m curious about everyone’s go-to strategies for managing them. I’ve found that introducing ladybugs can help, but I’m also experimenting with insecticidal soap. What have you all had success with in terms of integrated pest management?
I’ve had good luck using a neem oil spray in the early stages of an aphid infestation; it seems to disrupt their lifecycle effectively. It’s a bit more versatile than just insecticidal soap, and I feel it’s less harsh on beneficial insects — have you noticed a difference using ladybugs versus targeting them with sprays?
I’ve found that using a mix of insecticidal soap and a strong stream of water can really knock back those aphids early on. @morris_k78, have you noticed if the ladybugs stick around after the initial infestation?
Companion planting can also help — like planting marigolds nearby since they can repel aphids. They’re great for adding some color, too! Anyone else tried that?