Little black bugs on my garlic

[quakerboy]

Not on all of it, just a couple of them. But they are on those ones in plenty. What are they, and what do I do about them?

[NJCher]

1. Easy

Just spray what is most likely black aphids off with the hose. Mix 1 T Murphys oil w/4 c Water and spray.

Cher

[NJCher]

2. And

Do this once a week until the problem is gone.

Ladybugs love aphids.

Cher

[cer7711]

3. That's black pepper.

Enjoy!

[Major Nikon]

4. It's usually a good idea to identify the bug as a first step

That way you can tailor the control to the insect rather than using something that's more broad spectrum and may also kill beneficial insects.

As previously mentioned, aphids are most likely your culprit. If you don't have that many you can either brush them off or use a hose to spray them off and they may or may not return.

A secondary control that I recommend is insecticidal soap as it's effective when sprayed directly on the aphids. There's no preventative effect, so you'll have to repeat the control as often as they reappear.

If this doesn't work you can use an insecticidal oil which also must be used in the same manner.

It's best to control them as soon as possible as they can destroy plant tissue and invite other diseases.