Noticed bunches of eggs on the buds on some Hibiscus. Washed them off with water hose nozzle. It took quite a bit of pressure to remove them. Maybe 1/2 a mm in size. Whitish to light green in color. Any idea what they could be? Wish I had taken a picture before washing them away.

Thanks,

giuseppi

I wish you had too...

We can only hope that whatever it was lays more eggs and then we can all see a photo.

Without a photo it's hard to say, but my first thought is aphids. Aphids come in a variety of colors, including green, yellow, pink, orange, red, black, and brown.

Aphids do love Hibiscus buds. From what I remember the aphids I have seen on my Hibiscus were either green or yellow.

My hibiscus aphids are a lovely mint green. I guess they could look like eggs.

My water poppy aphids are orange. Hmmm... They are 10 feet apart - does the plant they are eating determine what color aphids are?

I know, off topic....

Thanks for all the responses. I looked at some images of aphids on Hibiscus buds and I think y'all hit the nail on the head. I thought aphids were more of a crawly type bug. But I see they pretty much just dig in and hold on. Hosing them away with cold water, like I did, appears to be about as good a remedy as anything, from what I'm reading online. I'll inspect them in the morning to see what, if anything, has changed. What would y'all recommend for the treatment of aphids on Hibicus?

I think for most people, the best thing to do in this situation is remove the eggs, as you did. But if you are an inquisitive type like me, you might want to hatch some and see what they actually are. I once found some red eggs on a lily bud and feared they were the dreaded lily beetle, since they have red eggs, too. I picked the bud and hatched the eggs, and they turned out to be assassin bugs (a good species). I was very happy and returned them to the garden.

I agree, probably Aphids ... keep watch to be sure you got them all. http://www.bing.com/images/sea...

There were more this morning or some I'd missed yesterday. Definitely Aphids. I mixed some garlic powder and water, which is supposed to be a natural non toxic pesticide for controlling the little rascals, and sprayed the Hibiscus. I'll see how they respond tomorrow. Thanks to all for your help.

And as a aside for people who don't realize there is a difference: that would be garlic powder, not garlic salt (!).

Garlic salt would kill the leaves, if not the whole plant.