30 October 2026

Customer Question – Aphids?

Q. “Hi again Jon. I was looking forward to eating the greens from these purple sprouting plants, but I have had them covered with the biodegrade fine enviromesh to try and stop whitefly, which we have had problems with in the past – unfortunately we have this grey aphid(?) infestation instead 🙄 – see photos below :-

Many of the leaves have turned yellow and fallen off. I would appreciate your help in deciding the best way to tackle this problem. I have removed the biodegradable mesh and just got fleece above them to discourage the many wood pigeons from eating them! Hope you can advise.” Kind regards Holly

A. Thanks for the message Sb Invigorator natural spray is going to be the best bet at this time of year as it s too late / too cold to use a predator. Assuming you do not have a hose-pipe ban, I would 1^st blast the foliage with the strongest jet from your hosepipe to “wash” as many aphids off the plants. They are unable to pick themselves up, so blasting with water is an old fashioned trick that works. We also have a Bug Blaster lance, which is ideal for “blasting” bugs :-

Once you have washed off as many as you can, if needed the you can then spray with SB Invigorator natural spray to clear up any remaining aphids and then use this to spot spray as and when any reappear. This natural spray is safe to use on edible crops and is very effective against aphids as well as other soft-bodied pests.

Use SB Invigorator to save your plants from insect pests i.e. aphids, mealy bug, woolly aphids, scale etc and reduce fungal diseases BOTH underglass and outdoors. This natural spray controls a range of pests in a safe and effective way PLUS it also controls fungal diseases. SB Invigorator should be in your store cupboard ready to :-

• Control pests BEFORE introducing natural controls – Use it to stop pests getting out of control and as there are no harmful chemical residues left behind, beneficial insects can then be introduced i.e. spotted Whitefly? Spray with SB Invigorator and then introduce Encarsia.
• Control any pest hotspots ONCE natural controls have been introduced – Use it to target any pest hotspots as 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 it to get control BEFORE introducing beneficial insects.
• Use it to control powdery mildew on cucumbers – some sprays are NOT suitable for controlling powdery mildew on cucumbers, but SB Invigorator is safe to use. Simply spray weekly to keep it under control.
• Control pests during the autumn and winter 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 in the spring.

SB Invigorator is not only highly effective, but it is also biodegradable and non toxic. It can be used in the garden, conservatory or in the greenhouse and most importantly can be used on edible plants – pick and eat straightway. SB Invigorator is brilliant at clearing heavy infestations BEFORE introducing a natural control. Available as a 500ml ready to use spray, as a 250ml concentrate (makes 25 litres of spray), or as a 500ml concentrate (makes 50 litres of spray) for use in your own sprayer.

Available to buy now