Hi i have recently noticed some microscopic black insects that have embedded themselves in between the leaves of my broad beans and have moved on to my runner beans. I caught a ladybird near some but he just seemed to be staring at them. Does anyone have any idea what they are and any solutions on how to get rid of them. I will try and take a photo and post it. Stuart
If you caught a ladybug near them, its a good chance that their Aphids, but without a picture I can't be certain. The ladybug could have been trying to digest the meal it had just eaten and that's why it seemed like it was just staring at them.
thanks Thanks for that flowerfreak. I was unaware you get black aphids. I will take a picture when I get a moment this week. Stuart
Hi Stuart - I agree with FlowerFreak22, those will most likely be blackfly, and blackfly's most favourite dinner is the sap at the top of the broadbean plants. Growers often remove the top couple of inches of each broadbean plant once they are flowering to try and prevent the blackfly from setting up home. If the infestation isn't too bad, then the plants shouldn't suffer, but if there are masses of them, then it can slow bean production and the plants can become distorted and sickly. The ladybug would indeed be eating them. If you see ants however, they won't be eating them, they will be eating their poop so will be protecting the blackfly!
