What to do with aphids ?

alexwildliferescue

This year seems to be a lot of aphids in the garden. They are attractive to my rambling rose. Not large amount mostly on new buds and leaves. Will they harm the rose if in small numbers ? If so what could I use. Don’t want to use pesticides. 

Fairygirl

A squirt from the hose is all you need. They love soft new growth   
If you have blue tits in the garden they're great predators, especially when they have young to feed. 

Plantminded

They can also easily be removed by hand, just sliding your fingers along the stem or bud lightly - wear gloves if you're squeamish!  Ladybirds will also feed on them.

TheGreenMan

Squish 'em.  You can then say you actually have green fingers.

msqingxiao

I heard that neem oil is quite effective against aphids. Will try it out if i see aphids on my plants this year.

Dovefromabove

Neem oil can harm ladybird larvae … learn to identify them and be aware that they may be amongst the aphids. 

alexwildliferescue

Would it cause any issues leaving the aphids as a small number at the moment ? 

Fairygirl

Unlikely to be a major problem, but it depends what you mean by a small number 
If it's only a small number though, wiping them off with your hand is easiest, although if the rose is thorny, that might not be ideal!

nutcutlet

top quality Bluetit food

Fairygirl

I rarely have aphids in any numbers @nutcutlet, because of those constant companions 

Dovefromabove

I always leave all but the most humungous gatherings of aphids, especially at this time of year. How else are you going to attract the predators, lacewings, ladybirds, hoverflies and bluetits to your garden?