Little pink things

[Naich]

My hop plant is going great guns (thank fatcontro11er), but I noticed this morning that there are a load of little pink insects living on the stems. They look like aphids but they are pink rather than green. Are they going to eat it or can I leave them alone? I don't want to start spraying stuff around but if they are going to damage my gorgeous Cascade plant then I'm quite happy to wage chemical, biological or nuclear war on them.

[WishboneBrewery]

I'd unleash the WMD's, a Stealth-Underpants attack might not work!
Head for the chemicals but read the labels and makes sure you give the right amount of time between spraying and harvesting.

[Naich]

I'd unleash the WMD's, a Stealth-Underpants attack might not work!
Head for the chemicals but read the labels and makes sure you give the right amount of time between spraying and harvesting.

Cheers. Are there any that you know of that I shouldn't be using? I had a look online and one thing was to use soapy water, so I had a spray with some fairy liquid solution. If they are still there tomorrow I'll be heading down to B&Q.

[Spikesdad]

Re: Little pink things

Jeeze... for a moment there, I thought our lass had joined the forum.. Whew

[CestrIan]

It can take 3 or 4 days spraying each day with soapy water to get rid of aphids. Try planting french marrigolds and sweet alyssum next to them. They attract insects that eat aphids like lady birds, hover flies and lacewings. I always plant them next to my tomatoes. Works a treat!

[themadhippy]

Add a few gloves of garlic to the soapy water,leave for a few hours to infue then spray

[Naich]

It can take 3 or 4 days spraying each day with soapy water to get rid of aphids. Try planting french marrigolds and sweet alyssum next to them. They attract insects that eat aphids like lady birds, hover flies and lacewings. I always plant them next to my tomatoes. Works a treat!

I'll suggest that to the wife. She'll instantly get suspicious that the only reason I want them planted is for some beer-related reason. I don't know why she gets so suspicious about these sorts of things... In the meantime I'll keep going with the soapy water/garlic combination.