Niagara-on-the-Lake staff deals swiftly with aphid invasion in flower beds

By

Published July 5, 2021 at 8:22 pm

aphids

After Niagara-on-the-Lake discovered aphids on a number of their planters, flower beds and hanging pots, town staff went on gardening detail on the morning of July 5 to keep the bug invasion under control.

According to a Town release, staffers sprayed “Safer’s Insecticidal Soap, an insecticidal soap authorized by the Provincial Government for cosmetic use.”

The Town said the soap is considered low risk and causes no harm to the public, adding “Green signs advising the public of the spraying will be posted throughout the Town at least 24 hours prior to spraying and will remain up for 48 hours after spraying.”

Since a tourist destination such as Niagara-on-the-Lake needs to maintain its public lands in pristine condition, Town CAO Marnie Cluckie praised her crew for “their quick discovery of the aphids and for their dedication to ensuring our renowned floral displays remain healthy and vibrant.”

J.B. Hopkins, Town Supervisor of Parks, said it was urgent to deal with bug issues as quickly as possible “to prevent aphids from sucking the juice from our petunias and damaging our floral displays.”

“The insects reproduce rapidly in hot weather,” he added, “so it’s vital to act quickly. All of our floral displays look excellent, and we want to keep them looking fantastic for the remainder of the season.”

(Photo of aphids courtesy of HGTV)

insauga's Editorial Standards and Policies advertising