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Q&A – How do I control small green bugs on my petunias?

Question:
Every year I get bugs in my petunias. They are light green and attach themselves to the stems. Last year I tried spraying Neem Oil on them. It only seemed to slow them down. Because I grow them from seeds, I know I haven't brought the bugs home from a nursery. What are they and how can I control them?

Answer:
These are aphids. They attach to the plant and suck the juices. You can use neem oil but you have to spray regularly. You can also use biological controls like lady bugs. If they are very bad you can cut the plant back and dispose of the cuttings. Another option is insecticidal soap. You can use malathion though as a last resort. Also, don’t apply too much nitrogen fertilizer as it encourages new growth that the aphids like to eat.

Related Resources:
Aphids in the home yard and garden
Growing petunias
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  • Home
  • Watch
    • TV Schedule
    • Full Episodes Online
    • How-to and Informational
    • Questions and Answers
    • This Week in the Garden
    • Garden Notes
  • Garden Topic Collections
    • Apple Trees: How-to and Information
    • Peach Trees: How-to and Information
    • Tomatoes: How-to and Information
    • Square Foot Garden Blog
  • Resources
    • Soil Testing
    • Extension Publications
    • Gardening Resources
    • Blogs
    • Organic Gardening
    • Articles
    • Privacy
  • Guests
  • Contact Us
    • Ask a Gardening Gardening Question
  • Search