aphids on petunias (flower, growing, containers, insect)

[no kudzu]

The one plant the deer don't eat has been attacked horribly with aphids. I dusted early with Sevin but that did no good. Everything I read says "treat early" but don't say what with. I cut them back grossly and hope there is enough time for them to keep on a nice display before frost. They are in containers on the porch. It is too late to interplant onions, garlic and others and I fear it is too hot for insecticidal soap. What can I do to protect the next growth and keep them from coming back next year?

[bugguy]

Treat with Imidacloprid.

[no kudzu]

thanks I'll try that but I am concerned about the threat to the already declining honey bee population. Any other sugfgestions or how do you address my concerns.

[marita]

Buy ladybugs at Home depot etc.

[Luvvarkansas]

I've read that aphids can just be blasted off plants with a strong spray of water from the hose....I haven't tried this extensively, but I did do it one time on a daylily plant that was covered with them, and it worked. I did it two, maybe three times, and every time there would be fewer and fewer aphids when I checked back a day or two later, and finally they were gone.

I used to wonder what kept them from just climbing back up....then I read that they are very soft-bodied, and the blast actually destroys them.

[no kudzu]

I tried blasting them but they are growing in pots and the potting soil blasted right out too so had to look for another alternative.

[Luvvarkansas]

Originally Posted by no kudzu

I tried blasting them but they are growing in pots and the potting soil blasted right out too so had to look for another alternative.

A nice mulch would solve that problem. Some of that good heavy shredded wood or bark or, my favorite, pine straw. It's good to mulch pots anyway, helps hold in moisture and cuts down on watering, just like in the flower beds.

Also, try not blasting straight down, if that's what you did....try spraying from the side and from underneath.