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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2008 21:21:45 GMT
I have just been trimming the shoots on the Virginia creeper and they are covered in little white see through gluey spots . I think they are aphids,should I be worried and what should I do ??.This plant is now covering three walls of the house.  |
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Post by Spruance on May 18, 2008 21:29:39 GMT
Sounds as though it may be scale insects rather than aphids Robin. On small areas you can usually rub them off with your thumb. If it is scale insects, you may want to take a look at this RHS link... www.rhs.org.uk/Advice/profiles0801/scale.asp |
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2008 21:48:00 GMT
Thanks for reply, I tried to take a picture, I don't think there are any scale , there just seems to be covered in specks of white see through spots . Is that what aphid's look like....sorry for the stupid questions??
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Post by Deleted on May 18, 2008 22:03:58 GMT
 what do you think ? |
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Post by Tig on May 18, 2008 23:08:01 GMT
Red spider mite can attack Virginia Creeper, but I would have thought it was a bit early for Ireland  Anything visible on the underside of the leaves Robin? |
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2008 10:42:24 GMT
all on the underside of the leaf and stems and nothing on the front of the leaves.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2008 11:01:55 GMT
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Post by Tig on May 19, 2008 13:56:35 GMT
 I can see it is the underside now! Any signs of tiny little webs anywhere? Red spider mite does leave pale spots where they suck the sap, they are miniscule black/brown dots to the naked eye, so are very hard to spot without using a magnifying glass.
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Post by Deleted on May 19, 2008 15:07:21 GMT
There are webs every where because my house loves spiders big and small...........Is there an organic spray that I should use or can I leave it until they eventually loose their leves after the season ?Will it do any harm?
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Post by Deleted on May 20, 2008 12:26:04 GMT
any advice would be most welcome because all this ivy is covering the house and I love it.
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Post by Tig on May 20, 2008 18:43:18 GMT
As we are not certain what the problem is robin it is difficult to offer much advice. If it is red spider mite, they thrive in hot dry conditions, and I found this advice which may help ..
"Mites - Mites sometimes infest creepers. Spider-shaped, they are about 1/50 inch long, barely visible to the unaided eye. They have 4 pairs of legs, piercing-sucking mouth parts, and very compact bodies. They cluster on vines and suck plant juices, causing foliage to become pale and distorted. Look for stippling of tiny yellow dots or red spots on leaves. Leaves, stalks, and adjacent stems may be distorted or swathed in fine webbing. Spray infested vines with a forceful water spray to knock the mites off the leaf undersides. Do this in the morning, repeating daily for three days. Spray especially persistent mites with insecticidal soap combined with pyrethrum every 3 to 5 days for two weeks. Spray creeper vines with dormant oil in early spring while they are still bare of leaves to kill overwintering mites. "
Tig
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Post by Deleted on May 21, 2008 10:57:03 GMT
ah....thank you so much for the very detailed advise I had better get my glasses on and go hunting for spiders. Thanks a million
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