Ask Gerry

Hi GerryI have housemartins nesting under my eve this last few years and their droppings are destroying my flowers.Will placing a mirror or CD in the apex of the eve deter them from building by causing a reflection of themselves or have you any other methods to stop them building?The are also on my garage but the can stay there as I like them flying around but just not nesting on my house.

Hi Gerry,Darren here again. I emailed you recently regarding bulbs.I have another question if you could answer and possibly include in the magazine? However, Id like a a reply before waiting next issue or my plants will be gone :-)I'm 25 and have been gardening for over 13 years. This year is my first year to encounter such strange, if not new, garden flies. They are similar to green fly but very black/darky purple and have taken a liking to my nasturshams and Canary Creeper in particular. I have tried spraying them with insecticide but they still appear unchanged once dry.While I am familar with black fly, these seem to be different and only attracted to the above two plants. They tend to gather in circled groups too on the under base of the nastursham leaves. And if I squeeze them, I get a redish blood like stain on my hands. Can you help as they are eating my plants... I attached photo..ThanksDarren

HelloMy natural pond has become invaded with tiny black maggotts shaped like a clove but smaller, i tip them out but they multiply, would goldfish eat them or would they eat the goldfish

Hello Gerry,I wonder if you can tell me where I could purchase some lacewing larvae to eat all the greenfly in my garden? I've already got some ladybirds but can't locate anywhere in Ireland that sells the Lacewings, and it doesn't seem that English companies will send them to Ireland. Many thanks for your help.

I have noticed tiny white bugs on my Lupins and wonder how to get riid of them? Also what is it from? It doesn't seem to go to the other plants but on the Lupins in different areas in the garden. Thanks!

I think I have white fly on my lupins. One plant is badly infected and I got to spray it before it bloomed but now it has bloomed and I can see the whitefly on the other lupin I was wondering should I cut off all the blooms and spray again or should I just cut to the ground as I don't think I am able to get all the flies as there is too much foliage. Or should I just leave the flies alone?

My lupins are currently magnificent but I notice today covered in white fly . Is there anything I can use that will not affect bees or other wildlife?

I'm trying to grow organic and to that end I'm looking to make my own insecticide. Quiet a few of the formulas I have come across on line specify either insecticidal soap or dishwashing fluid as part of the formulation. Can you recommend an organic version and supplier of either of these.

Sparrows are pecking at the silicone on my windows causing damage. Any ideas?

when you list rabbit proof plants/shrubs does this also mean hares?