Organic Aphid Control

I've talked a lot about the aphid problem with our yard. Yesterday, we made a visit to OSH to pick up a few thing Home Depot or Lowe's would never carry (ie. Horticultural Oil, Rooting Hormone), and we grabbed two tubs of Lady Bugs too.

You're supposed to water down your yard and release the Lady Bugs after sunset. Well, we got home a little late last night and they were asleep! So we waited until this morning, watered everything down, and released them on the plants with the worst degree of aphid infestations. I was shocked that very few flew away, and most of them stuck around to drink water droplets and feast on aphids. And yes, I can attest to the fact that Lady Bugs do bite when hungry. Not bad, but it's a stinging sensation, like little jaws are gnawing at your hands/arms!

The best part is that many of these lady bugs are a little (ahem) randy, and will lay eggs on these plants. Hooray for creating a welcoming environment for Lady Bugs! I'll have to wait until later this summer to use the Horticultural oil. I don't want to drown the Lady Bugs or their eggs...