Black Fly.

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Can someone please help me ? My roses are absolutely infested with black fly. I've tried the " Rose Clear " spray and no discernible effect. I would be so grateful for any tips or suggestions.

[Old_Geezer]

Strange, that's worked for me in the past. You could try a different brand of aphid spray. Soapy water is meant to work. Or can you get/encourage predators ?

[jakep]

One of my Dahlias was the same. I diluted some washing up liquid in a spray bottle and gave the infested bits a good soaking. About an hour later the heavens opened - yes really! - and all the flies were gone.

[Chipchopper]

I get black fly on my Buddleja, some years and find they are easily eradicated with a sharp blast of water from the hose.
Be sure to bast them pointblank, especially to the under sides of the leaves, where they think they're safe.

[Grandma_Yiddo]

Many thanks to all of you. How can I encourage black fly predators and what are they ? I've spent a lot of today feeding starving bees and it's fantastic.

[tonyav]

Some good tips on this link, Grandma_Yiddo.
http://www.gardenseeker.com/plant_pests_problems/plant-pests/blackfly.html

[alavahalf]

If I happen to find Blackfly anywhere on my allotment I just put a spoonfull of Stergene in a pint of water, mix it up and spray it on the infected area. The next day I just blast it with the hose .. no frills and it always seems to deal with the issue.

[Old_Geezer]

Probably find someone who sells them in here somewhere. https://www.google.co.uk/search?q=black+fly+predators&ie=utf-8&;oe=utf-8&client=firefox-b&gfe_rd=cr&ei=qf2HV6GaCqfH8Af23IeACA

To be honest predators would be more difficult to keep on your roses outside of a glass house. But if you find a ladybird transfer it to your rose and see if it uses it as a cafe. https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?PID=507

I'd try soapy water first.

[julia-mag]

I used to get my roses covered with black/greenfly and spent ages trying to clear it, then one year I put out container of water for the birds, and hey presto, I do not have the problem anymore! I can sit and watch the birds (especially the sparrows, which nest around here) clear the plants for me, bath and drink, and if they need seed they only have to fly over the roof to the back garden where it is provided!