Question
Hi,
I love my Ivy that coveres a big part of my house. It is on the north side. I trimm it and talk to it. Now I discovered some sticky leaves and oh pain! There are billions of grey bugs sitting in clusters at the top of the vines. Will I loose my Ivy now? Could I use the same bug spray that I use on roses? It seems like my entire wall of Ivy is sick. It still looks very good, and the new leaves are shiny and green, except for the sick ones, they are deformed. It seems like the bugs like the new ones most? Please help me someone!
Eva


Answer
Sounds like aphids. They suck the juice for the plant and produce the sticky honeydew. Yes the Rose insecticide will work. Look on the label and it should list aphids as one of the insect it controls. If the rose spray is premixed in a can ,with this much ivy you may need to mix a larger amount but it will will good.
The aphids will attack the new leaves since they are tender that is why they seem to be more there than on the older leaves. makes sure you spray both sides of the leaves when you spray and you should get rid of them.