Story: Dr. Bugalugs – APHIDS!
Episode: 01
Presenter: Dr. Darryl Hardie
Air Date: 20th August 2022

Pest expert, Dr. Bugalugs, joins The Garden Gurus team to help inform the community of the best methods to deal with pests in the garden.

• Aphids are sucking insects and love succulent soft developing shoots and buds.
• There are a large number of systemic and contact registered insecticide options.
• There is also a number of soft or green options available.
• Dr. Bugalugs’ advice is to assess the situation, if numbers are low and predators (ladybugs – adult and larvae, hoverflies, lacewings/antlions) or parasites (tiny wasps/mummies) are present then a spray of high-pressure water may be sufficient to restore balance to your roses.
• If ants are observed tending the aphids, they may need to be controlled to allow the predators/parasites to restore balance in your garden.
• Alternatively, soft options – kind on the environment and you, like horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps work very well, however may require more than one application.
• Insecticidal soap sprays work better than normal soap sprays because they not only smother small soft bodied insects, they desiccate them – dry out the insect.
• Remember when using registered chemicals, read the label fully and always follow the directions and use the stipulated safety equipment.