Mick, this is what I do. A simple, effective way is a small spray bottle
(empty Windex, rinsed out) with 85% water, 10% rubbing alcohol (although I
have been known to use Rebel Yell Bourbon) and a dash of liquid detergent as
an adherent. The alcohol dissipates before the beneficials (ladybugs) show
up. The aphids seem to die off immediately and a blast with the hose removes
their corpses afterwards. May have to do an Aphid Patrol up to 3 days in a
row, that should take care of it. I also have curly leaf parsley growing
among the roses, again attracting beneficial insects to restore control over
damaging insects. Aphids come in waves, feed on new growth so it's a matter
of outlasting them.
Thanks for choosing not to use potent chemicals!
John http://www.members.home.net/ecologicalsgardens
"Mick Block" wrote in message
news:MOD$010705.20775@rec.gardens.ecosystems... > > Anyone got a recipe handy for to get rid of aphids and leaf eating bugs?
My > roses are infected with aphids and my other plants look a little chewed
up. > Don't wanna use the commercial stuff if I could be turned on to some home > brew. > Thanks in advance guys. > Michael Block > >