Good point about soap killing other insect, beneficial or not. I always try water and hand picking insects before any other method but unfortunately there are some insects that can only be eliminated by the harsher methods. I also consider how great the damage will be if the insect remains and I have learned to tolerate some insect damage in order to avoid spraying. For example, thrips get my roses but they don’t threaten the life of the bush and they ultimately disappear, so I tolerate them. If I were showing roses I would feel differently but for me tolerating them works.

Karen

Of course, soap water works by breaking down the water-resistent covering of most insects and causing them to drown. So what kills an aphid will kill any other insect or spider if sprayed – beneficial or not.

I avoid using any kind of insecticide if possible and a stream of water usually does the trick with aphids.

Karen