I was very lucky this year as the ladybugs arrived early and that was a surprise with the cold we had. As a result I have not had to spray my peppers one single time this year. Usually by the time I am setting them out to harden off they are starting to get aphids but not a ladybug in sight. If you have a light infestation the soapy water and neem work okay; but if it is very heavy then I hit them with a very soapy water mix with Permethrin in it and wait 3 or 4 days and do it again making sure to get the underside of every leaf both times. Five years ago I kept using the soapy water and neem and each time they returned with more aphids til they ended up ruining some of my pepper plants. This is the first year in a very long time where I haven't seen a single aphid on a pepper plant yet. If they are on them the ladybugs are getting them before they get large enough for me to spot.
Bill
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