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Ask Us: Pest Patrol



 

QUESTION:

My roses are covered in lady beetles but there are also these tiny white critters on them. Should I spray?



ANSWER:

No.The lady beetles are doing exactly what you want them to do–they're feeding on aphids.The white 'critters' are actually the empty skins (cast-off exoskeletons) left behind as the aphids grow and moult. While many modern organic oil sprays are considered safer for bees, some products containing paraffin can also kill beneficial insects.It's best to let the lady beetles continue their good work and allow nature to bring the aphid population under control.

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About this article

Author: Graham Ross

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