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| My catnip has aphids!
I have tried homemade insecticidal soap with no success. I do not have a water hose to pressure wash them off. I would love to hear any suggestions you guys might have for getting rid of them. They are living in containers, and the aphids do no seem to be interested in the parsley, chives or basil I am also growing. I am looking for something that will leave the plant edible for my kitties. Please help! |
Follow-Up Postings:
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- Posted by francescod 6b/7a VA (My Page) on Mon, Jul 27, 09 at 16:07
| Squish them by hand or use a real insecticidal soap. You may need to spray more than once. Pyrethrum (from a chrysanthemum relative) works well alone or mixed with the soap. Neem oil may also be effective. F. DeBaggio |
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- Posted by blackeyedgurl (My Page) on Mon, Jul 27, 09 at 17:02
| Will the plants still be safe for consumption after using a pyrethrum? Cos I was under the impression that they would not be. |
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| If your containers aren't too large, place them on their sides, and gently pour water over the plants while running your fingers along the plant stems and leaves to knock(and squish)the aphids off. If you wash them into the containers they will find their way back up on the plant. If you do this regularly it should reduce the damage over time. In the mean time, take a cutting or two and root them in moist potting mix or seed starting mix or sand to get more plants started for your kitties. Once they root, plant them in a container away from the others.HTH |
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- Posted by francescod 6b/7a VA (My Page) on Mon, Jul 27, 09 at 20:56
| Pyrethrum breaks down very quickly once it dries and is exposed to heat and/or sunlight. It is approved for Organic production. To put it in perspective, pyrethrum is a lot less toxic than caffeine. Neem oil is 2 to three times less toxic than pyrethrum. Any chemical, including homemade products and even water, if not used properly or abused over a period of time can cause problems. PDF of products approved for organic production F. DeBaggio |
Here is a link that might be useful: Toxicity of common chemicals
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- Posted by blackeyedgurl (My Page) on Tue, Jul 28, 09 at 10:17
| Thank you guys! I think I will go ahead and take a cutting, and go the pyrethrum or neem route. Cover all my bases! Thanks again! |
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| I wouldn't use anything with pyrethin or pyrethrum if you intend on using the catnip for cats. They can be very sensitive. If you do decide to go with it, be certain that any residue is carefully washed off before presenting the herb to the kitty. |
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| Get some lady bugs |
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