orangy brown aphid looking things on dianthus . . .

Lee_Francis

5 years ago, decided to stop using chemical sprays in my tiny garden.
Since then all my plants are attacked by every conceivable pest and disease.

This year all the dianthus are as we speak, being attacked by orangy brown aphid looking pests - flower buds and flower stems. 1st time dianthus have had any pests on them and first time I've seen this particular pest. YUK ! I had a look on the net and there is mention of carnation fly (?) - but they don't look like that- no furry look about them.

Any ideas of what they are, and how to get rid of them ?


and . . .
Should I give up the no chemical spray mantra, and nuke all the pests and diseases ? The philadelphus are covered in blackfly, roses with greenfly and rust, parsley with whitefly etc. etc. . . . there are loads of ladybirds but aren't enough maybe ?

thanks
Lee

Jayar

Yeah, it's hard work being green!
However, it's worth it. Here's a couple of links which should encourage you to stay away from the chemicals which kill off the good guys as well as the bad
http://www.aboutorganics.co.uk/organic_gardening/pest_control.htm
http://www.gardenadvice.co.uk/howto/organic/pests/index.html