Question
QUESTION: Hi Elyse

My lovely thick growing shallots have been invaded by a cluster of tiny (too small to take a photo of) black bugs!  They like to crowd around the stem part (just where it starts to go leaves).

What kind of bugs may they be and will they damage the shallots? So far, I haven't noticed any noticeable damage, and I've been spraying the bugs off every morning and evening with plain water.  Can I spray them with organic oil and still be able to eat the shallots?

thanks!

ANSWER: Sherry:
I really can't think of what the insects might be. Perhaps black aphids. Since you won't be eating the green part,the oil won't hurt - as long as you don't overdo it and smother the leaves. As long as the water works, that's an acceptable solution.

Elyse

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Elyse - I didn't know where to start researching until you suggested black aphids.  So when you did, I looked them up on google and they're definitely black aphids!

So oil would be ok; it won't smother the bottom (oniony bit)? do you think those sticky yellow traps would work too?  At the moment, none of them have wings from the look of it.

Will those horrible things also attack my basil, which is growing next to the shallot?  So far they look ok.

Thanks for your help!

Answer
My first choice for attack is always spraying with water, as you have done. If the damage gets too bad, I use neem oil successfully. You can also use insecticidal soap. This should be washed off after a day, as it can burn the leaves.

Neither will affect the bulb, unless for some reason they are growing above the ground. It is unusual for basil to be attacked by any pests, but I have had questions about the problem, so it is possible. I wouldn't use anything but water on basil, however, because the other products will affect the flavor. I don't think sticky traps work for aphids. They probably won't do much damage to the shallots.

elyse