Question
Hi Charlotte...Yesterday I sent you a photo of the alyssum & the insects in hopes in would help better.  Not sure if you rec'd this?  The insects hop when approaching the plants- all going in different directions. They are small tear drop shape about the size of an aphid. They have small antenna.  I also searched the internet for hours before writing you. I didn't find anything either? & still no results. Are you able to receive photos? Thanks again.
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Followup To

Question -
I am hoping you can help....I live in Denver, CO.  I have small black insects on my alyssum. They are on other plants also but prefer the alyssum. They seem to suck the juices from the plant...all the blooms are gone and the plants are pale & spotted now.  The insect has a hard shell (the wings)and they hop and fly.  They are very small and tear drop shaped.   I've become very frustrated with these insects....what are they and how can I get rid of them.

Answer -
Hi Heather;
I searched the web for a couple of hours, and couldn't find an answer for you.
Can you better describe these bugs?
size, shape, where they stay on the plants, and are they eating holes in the leaves or blossoms?
If you can give me some more information, maybe i can find them.
Charlotte

Answer
Hi Heather;
I didn't receive a picture.
I don't think we can get pics on here.
the hopping etc doesn't help though.
Best idea would be to capture some of them and take them to a nurseryman and have them identify them for you.
Maybe garlic tea would help.
Put 2or3 whole bulbs of garlic and a large or 2 smaller HOt dried chili peppers, in a blender and mix with 1 quart water.
Blend until it is as liquid as you can get it. Strain through cheesecloth so the minute particles won't clog your garden sprayer.Mix 1 cup of that tea with 1 gallon water, and spray the plants. Be sure to spray underneath the leaves too.
that should get rid of all of them right away.
If that doesn't do it, I wouldn't have a clue, because I have no idea what they are.
The shape and color and size sounds like a tiny flea, but the antennae doesn't fit, and I don't think fleas suck plants.
It's got me stumped.
A local nurseryman should be able to tell you what they are, maybe even over the telephone.
When I lived in Denver, many, many years ago, I was besieged by Box elder beetles.
Charlotte