What's killing my pansies?

loulou41

My pansies are dying and they are covered with tiny crawling insects. Anybody know what are they and what to do? Thanks

miltonskeen

I would think the tiny crawling insects are what are killing your pansies.

Try a 'bug' killing spray from the garden center...

Jnelhams

Can you describe the little critters? Are they Ants?

In the old days before the EU a teaspoon of Jeyes fluid in 2 gallons of water, watered on to the area would have solved the problem. (But it kills fucshias, and should never be used on fruit or veg.) but it's illegal to use Jeyes fluid like that now days, so try washing up liquid instead.

BILLIE

Excuse my ignorance but why is it illegal to use Jeyes - it can still be purchased easily. Billie

Jnelhams

Under MAFF regulations (Ministry of Agriculture Food and Fisheries) Jeyes Fluid is no longer licensed for Horticultural use. (Jeyes fluid is based on Tar Oil and may cause Cancer if consumed.) So can only legally be used as a cleaning agent as per the tin. (Despite the fact it was used a Winter wash for fruit trees for decades, and to cure blackspot on roses.) So that why, it's not the fags, but the Jeyes Fluid causing Gardeners to drop dead from Cancer.

motherkitty

Sorry for being thick but should you water the flowers with a washing up liquid solution or spray them. Something is eating mine too!

Mojisola

The bugs will be greenfly (aphids). They can decimate pansies at this time of year.

If the infestation is bad enough the kill plants, washing-up liquid won't be strong enough to save them. It's time to reach for the bug spray.

In future, check the plants regularly and start with the washing-up liquid or soft soap sprays while there's only a few on each plant. That way you'll be able to control them.