Aphids are a major pest underglass - they are all similar in appearance although they vary greatly in colour but are most commonly green or black. They are small with long spindly legs and antennae. During the summer they are wingless as they feed on the plant, but as the population increases winged forms appear which help to spread the infection.

Aphids feed by sucking the sap from the plant, this stunts the growth and causes distortion of the growing point. The aphid absorbs large quantities of plant sap in order to obtain enough protein. This sap contains excess sugar that the aphid excretes as honeydew. This is sticky and coats the lower leaves. Often a sooty mould will develops on the honeydew which is unsightly and reduces the plants ability to manufacture food causing further loss of vigor. Aphids also carry virus diseases which may do long term harm by reducing the plant vigor.

Aphids are fast breeders - each female is capable of producing 6-8 live young daily over a 2/3 week period. Importing just one aphid on a plant can quickly lead to severe infestation. It is essential to check all plants brought into the greenhouse or conservatory for signs of aphids and deal with them immediately. In summer winged females will come in through greenhouse vents, so during warm weather be extra vigilant.

Aphidoletes & Aphidius - Control aphids naturally underglass by introducing Aphidius and / or aphidoletes, but which one should you use? :-

• Use Aphidius for small numbers of aphids spread over a number of plants.
• Use Aphidoletes for large aphid colonies on a few plants.
• Use a mixed Pack of Aphidoletes & Aphidius for large aphid colonies spread over a number of plants.

Use Aphidoletes for large aphid colonies on a few plants. Aphidoletes is a naturally occurring midge, the larvae of which feed on a large number of aphid species. 
 
Aphidoletes is introduced into the greehouse in blister packs which are simply hung on the infected plants. The adults emerge, mate and lay their eggs near or even under aphids. The eggs hatch and the larvae start to eat the aphids. Each larvae will eat up to 100 aphids before pupating. The adult is extremely efficient in searching out aphids and will only lay eggs on infected plants. The number of eggs laid will depend on the number of aphids i.e. more aphids = more eggs. It is more effective where there are aphid colonies on a few plants.

Use Aphidius for small numbers of aphids spread over a number of plants. Aphidius is a naturally occurring aphid parasite and it is capable of attacking over 40 aphid species. 
 
The adult Aphidius lays an egg in the aphid, as the egg hatches the larvae feeds on the inside of the aphid destroying it. Following pupation, the adult leaves the dead aphid through a small round hole. The activities of the adult parasites "upset" aphid colonies and as a result they produce a warning pheromone which alerts the whole population, which try to escape. Many fall to the ground and die helping the parasite control aphid numbers. It is best used on small numbers of aphids spread over a number of plants. 

Aphid Control - Introduce Aphidius and / or Aphidoletes as soon as aphids are present and the average temperature is 10C/50F - Below 10C/50F, use SB Invigorator to hold the fort until temps. rise. If the infestation is very heavy then spray with SB Invigorator first to reduce numbers and then introduce Aphidius and/or Aphidoletes - see our emergency pest pack below.
 
Aphidius & Aphidoletes are available as a half course or as an economy pack :-

• A half course is one introduction of 250 Aphidoletes or 500 Aphidius for is for a small greenhouse / conservatory where the aphids have just appeared.  

• An economy pack is one introduction of over 1000 predators and is the most economical way to buy either control and is for larger conservatories / greenhouses or large numbers of aphids.

• A mixed pack is one introduction of 500 aphidius AND one introduction of 250 aphidoletes

SB Invigorator - This 'three in one' natural spray controls a range of pests in a safe and effective way and also controls fungal diseases plus it contains a foliar feed.  SB Invigorator should be in your store cupboard ready to :-

• Control pests during the winter and spring when it is too cold to use beneficial insects (i.e. in unheated greenhouses / conservatories). There are no harmful chemical residues left behind, so beneficial insects can be introduced AS SOON as the temperatures are warm enough.
• Control any pest hotspots ONCE natural controls have been introduced. Use SB Invigorator to target any pest hotspots. It will not harm beneficial insects once they have been introduced.
• Use for a pest emergency - been away or not noticed a rapid build up of pests such as red spider mite or greenfly? - use SB Invigorator to get control BEFORE introducing beneficial insects.

SB Invigorator controls pests and used regularly will reduce fungal diseases such as mildew. Plus it contains a foliar feed to help plants recover from pest attack. SB Invigorator is not only highly effective, but it is also Biodegradable and non toxic which means it can be used in the garden, conservatory or in the greenhouse and on edible plants too - pick and eat straightway. It is suitable for use throughout the year

SB Invigorator is brilliant at clearing heavy infestations BEFORE introducing a natural control. Here the spray has been applied twice at 2 day intervals to kill a heavy infestation of mealy bug before introducing cryptolaemus. The first spray removes the protective wax from the pest, which normally makes it so difficult to control and then the subsequent spray 2 days later kills the pest. As no harmful chemical residues are left behind, the cryptolameus were immediately introduced to give on-going pest control.

SB Invigorator is available as a 500ml ready to use spray, as a 250ml concentrate (makes 25 litres of spray) or as a 1 litre super concentrate (makes 500 litres) for use in your own sprayer.

"The plant invigorator spray is working beautifully on the aphids in the back garden and it is a pleasure to be able to spray something effective but based only on plant oils." Jacob by email.

Emergency Aphid Pest Pack - "Help the aphids are out of control. What should I do?"

Use our Emergency Aphid Pest Pack containing 250ml of SB Invigorator & a mixed pack of aphidius and aphidoletes.

1. Spray with SB Invigorator for 2 weeks.
2. Introduce the Aphidius and Aphidoletes to establish a breeding colony for long term control. The mixed pack will be sent automatically 14 days after the SB Invigorator.
   

Emergency Aphid Pest Pack £40.45