green fly indoors

[Andy Hamilton]

I have never had a problem with green fly on my house plants before now, but much of them are getting infested. I have tried picking them off and it seems to work. I am guessing that using some kind of soap solutuion like I do outside will also work. I sort of see this as using chemicals, any other suggestions? Would getting a couple of ladybirds in a match box and letting them loose in my house help?

[The Chili Monster]

Hmm I think the problem you'd face is keeping the ladybirds in your house, although it's worth a go or perhaps you could invest in this:
Ladybird House (Reference #0820139040254)
Ladybirds are attractive insects to have around the garden and, as natural predators of aphids, are extremely beneficial too. Made from recycled and weatherproof plastic, the house will encourage ladybirds to remain in your garden. It provides them with a safe roosting place during cold and frosty nights in early spring and a safe place to hibernate during the winter.

£22.99

[Muddypause]

I've just successfully stopped some blackfly on me broad beans with a dilute spray of Ecover - I know it's still a detergent, but one of the biodegradable ones.

But I've also just been reading that stinging nettles in a bucket of water for a week will make an anti-bug and anti-fungal spray. It's the same stuff that can be used as plant food for tomatoes and things. I'm pleased about this because last week I picked a huge number of nettles for that very purpose.

[Wombat]

I've just successfully stopped some blackfly on me broad beans with a dilute spray of Ecover - I know it's still a detergent, but one of the biodegradable ones.

Just out of interest Muddy, it is illegal to sell non-biodegradeable ones here (for household use anyway) and I assume it is the same there!

Nev

[Andy Hamilton]

I shall try the nettles then. I had a go at using a ladybird and it died the same day.

I thought that most of the detergents here were not biodegradeable.

[Muddypause]

I thought that too, though I have no real facts to back it up. Considering the prominence that Ecover and others give to its biodegradability, it implys that most are not. But maybe that's just clever marketing.

[Wombat]

It may be marketing - our stuff has to comply with an Australian Standard where they stir the stuff around and see how long it takes to break down. I did quite a bit with surfactants when I was a chemist but to be honest it is getting a bit foggy now.

Still, I am sure that here they must be biodegradeable - that does not mean that they are not evil petrochemicals, just that they break down within a specified time.

Nev

[hedgewizard]

Nev's right, EU law says detergents have to break down within 7 days in the environment. The only way Ecover scores is that they don't manufacture using petrochemicals. Another piece is such misdirection is recycled toilet paper - most of the cheap sorts of toilet paper are high in recycled pulp but don't advertise as such. It's just that virgin pulp is more expensive!

Andy, the humidity inside is way too low for ladybirds so they just dehydrate. You can spray with insecticidal soap - I guess Ecover would work - or jet them off with the shower head. Another more radical ploy is to give the plants ten minutes in a freezer, but that depends on what plant we're talking about. And no, don't ask me, I don't know which ones will tolerate it!

Picking them off by hand will work, but you'll have to do this several times a day for quite a few days. If you can't face this and the soap doesn't work you can spray with pyrethrum or derris as a last resort - both of these still count as organic.

[Andy Hamilton]

To keep you updated....

The ladybird seemed to be alive. I guess it is a hardy little fella. It is still munching away on the last few remaining greenfly. We no longer have a green fly problem with our house plants.

[hedgewitch]

The best and most eco friendly way!
I'm happy for you Andy

[hedgewizard]

Go buggy! Going to keep him as a pet now?

[fitric]

Hi I have a greenfly issue with my herbs which I keep on a balcony. As soon as I can I will be getting a sprayerwhich I will fill with water and washing up liquid. I always find washing up liquid great for killing off the unwanted bugs. A while later I will respray the herbs with clear water to rinse off the washing up liquid.

[Millie]

Boil up some beetroot and use the juice to spray onto the blighters. My mums neighbour uses that and they never come back apparently! Nice and organic

[Millymollymandy]

Don't your plants turn pink?

[Millie]

Don't your plants turn pink?

Lol Ive not tried it, but my mum has greenfly on her roses, and thats what was suggested.