"Some research indicates that sprays using Neem oil extracts, containing azadirachtin-A, are effective against this pest, particularly when applied to the soil, without being detrimental to beneficial insects. Other natural solutions, including the use of predatory nematodes, are currently being investigated." The above is from Canada: http://www.torontobotanicalgarden.ca/mastergardener/newforum/viewtopic.php?f=12&t=39&p=93 ---------------------------------- Canadians have also stated in forums that Neem works: "Try calling any 'hydroponic' store in your area, such as "Yield of Dreams" or "Homegrown Hydroponics" - they'll have it on the shelf - sometimes called "Einstein's Neem Oil". It works on the Rose Midge infestation I had as well." FROM: Http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cangard/msg062253481951.html ------------------------------ "I caught sight of it really early around mid-May on one particular climber (2 year old William Baffin). The advice I was given was to clip it back (boo hoo had to loose all those newly formed buds), dispose of those buds in the trash and foliar the plant and surrounding earth with diluted neem oil, dish soap and water. It did the trick - and although none of my other roses were affected I gave them the neem foliar spray just to play it safe." FROM: Http://forums.gardenweb.com/forums/load/cangard/msg0607231619365.html ----------------------------------------------- There are other statements on the web that Neem works. "rochester, neem oil applications have been proven to be helpful against rose midges. Read and follow the directions carefully; you'll be able to find neem products in any garden center." FROM: http://forums2.gardenweb.com/forums/load/organic/msg05182252650.html --------------------------------------- "Azadirachtin neem extract, sold as Azatin or Bio-neem, applied to the soil around the roses, stops the midges from being able to feed. They have a very short live span, so this will not kill immediately, but will stop future generations (a generation lasts less than 2 weeks). Also, immediately remove any damaged or suspicious growth you see on your roses and throw the prunings and any fallen leaves away. If you put a plastic cover over the soil under your roses, when the midge larvae drop to the ground they are exposed and unable to pupate. It's not terribly attractive, but a plastic sheet is better than deformed roses. Neem extract, and/or Bayer's Advanced Garden Rose & Flower Insect Killer, or Bayer's Advanced Power Force Multi-insect Killer, have worked best in recent trials since diazinon was removed from the market. They must be applied every 10 days according to directions, for the entire growing season to get rid of the midges. Also, remember to keep any fallen leaves, etc. from your roses removed asap." FROM: http://en.allexperts.com/q/Roses-732/2008/2/rose-midge-infestation.htm -------------------------------- " Prune off and destroy affected buds. Spray with a neem- or spinosad-based insecticide. Rose midge is a fly larva; although it looks like a tiny caterpillar, caterpillar-specific sprays, such as Bt, won't work. " FROM: http://agave.garden.org/~suzanned/matrix/rose-pest/rose-problem-matrix.html -----------------------------------

Beneficial insects are a good thing I quite often buy ladybugs and different nematodes, outside ones for weevils and I have been told to try the inside type on Daylilies to control the Hemerocallis Gall Midge. I hate yellow jackets as they are cranky little b's but one year when they were particularly bad I didn't have one green cat on any of the broccoli or cauliflower and a Hoya I hung outside because it was covered in mealybug they descended on it like a cloud of locust, completely picking it clean. Annette

It sounds like hemerocallis gall midge, a new pest to North America. It sounds horrible. Here's some info in this link, which has some other links at the bottom. Bob Here is a link that might be useful: Hemerocallis midge

Beth, I don't know if you're still having aphid problems, but if so, why not try sticky traps? They sold at www.gardensalive.com These traps are fantastic..3 winters ago I had a whitefly problem and no matter what I did I couldn't rid them..I've about 400 plants so you can imagine the dilemma I was going through..BTW, I don't use harsh chemicals because I have birds..anyway, I found these traps and bought them..within 2 wks of attaching them to plants, and using my home made brew which consist of 2-4 drops of dishsoap, citrus rind, garlic, they all died..Now, I keep extras in case this was to happen again..Toni