The grayish/light brown aphids have been parasitized by a wasp. In my experience the wasp parasites are more effective than ladybugs.
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That’s pretty cool! Are the wasp native there or did you import them to get started? I recall seeing several similar looking wasps last year but I did not recognize it until I watched the National Geo video. Maybe this year I will know what to look for!
Dennis
Kent, wa
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They’re native. When I worked on wheat in west Texas the wasp was what could control an aphid outbreak. Ladybugs were usually present but couldn’t get ahead of the problem.
The wasp lays an egg in each aphid. Those hatch, eat the aphid, chew their way out and lay more eggs in more aphids.
If I see the mummies I don’t spray for the aphids.
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