Beat this summer’s aphid and ant invasion with Neudorff’s effective, natural pest controls

The UK’s gardens are under attack from high populations of aphids, leaving gardeners battling to save flowers, fruit and veg – according to DLF Seeds, the UK distributor of Neudorff’s leading natural plant protection range.

Infestations of aphids have swamped a host of popular flowers, with dahlia, nasturtium and roses badly hit by a mid-summer swarm. Vegetables in gardens and on allotments have been attacked by pests, with outbreaks reported on fruit trees and bushes, too.

The aphid invasion comes as nation embraces gardening during the Covid-19 pandemic, with a new generation of households having discovered gardening for the first time during lockdown. However, gardeners no longer need to resort to chemicals to tackle aphid invasions, as Neudorff’s line-up of natural pest controls can effectively bring outbreaks under control.

Consumer Manager at DLF Seeds, Neudorff’s UK distribution partner, Guy Jenkins, said: “Last winter, which was largely mild and wet across much of the UK, followed by the warm, dry spring, presented ideal conditions for pests to overwinter. As a result, high populations of aphids were ready and waiting to take advantage of a surge in plant growth which took place when rain finally arrived during July. Regular inspection of plants is vital for spotting infestations in their early stages, which can be tackled using Neudorff’s natural controls, preventing aphids from spreading and causing further damage.”

Neudorff’s BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer is the first port of call for gardeners who need to take rapid action to stop aphids from wreaking havoc. Certified by the Organic Farmers & Growers’ Association (OF&G), it is effective against a wide variety of sucking and biting insects on ornamental plants – including blackfly, greenfly, whitefly, red spider mite, caterpillars, thrips and wooly aphid – and comes in a handy, ready-to-use spray bottle. Free from neonicotinoids, BugFree Bug & Larvae Killer can also be used on apple, pear and kohlrabi in gardens and allotments.

Suitable for controlling mature insects and their larvae or eggs, gardeners should spray affected plants, not forgetting the undersides of leaves, until they are dripping wet. A 750ml spray bottle of BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer has an RRP of £6.49.

Where gardeners need to tackle pest outbreaks on ornamental plants growing in protected situations, and have their own sprayer, Neudorff BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer Concentrate is available to effectively control sucking and biting insects, their larvae and eggs. A 250ml bottle of BugFree Bug and Larvae Killer Concentrate (pictured, right), which is also neonicotinoid-free, has an RRP of £12.99.

Keep ants under control - naturally

Aphid infestations have been exacerbated this season by soaring numbers of ants. While ants are often dismissed as little more than a nuisance on hardstandings, if left uncontrolled they help to ‘farm’ aphids – nurturing and protecting colonies so they can feed on pests’ sweet secretions. Ants can assist aphids in spreading, causing further damage.

Neudorff’s AntFree Ant Killer Granules are the top choice for controlling ants around the house on paths, patios and terraces, helping gardeners to effectively tackle nests and controlling tunnelling and hollowing-out of gaps. Also certified by the Organic Farmers & Growers’ Association (OF&G), granules can be scattered straight from the pack, or dissolved in water and applied with a watering can – penetrating deep within nests where it reaches insects that do not have access to the surface. Gardeners should ensure that the solution enters all cracks and joints near the nest when treating paths and patios.

Based on natural ingredient pyrethrins derived from Chrysanthemum cinerariaefolium extract, AntFree Ant Killer Granules kill nests quickly and effectively on paths and patios, putting a stop to the menace of ants hollowing out gaps in paths and in between paving slabs, an activity that can leave an unsightly and slippery mess. A 500g shaker can of AntFree Ant Killer Granules has an RRP of £6.49.

Find out more

For more information about Neudorff’s natural gardening portfolio, visit www.neudorff.co.uk or to find local and online stockists, enter your postcode at www.neudorff.co.uk/stockists.html.

ENDS

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For more information, interviews or images please contact:

Kimberley Hornby      Tel: 07851610573      Email: kimberley@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk

Marc Rosenberg       Tel: 07931645170     Email: marc@hornbywhitefootpr.co.uk

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