[dropcap]W[/dropcap]hat happens when one rids butterfly weed of aphids? Carol Clark, a Monarch Watch Conservation Specialist, explained to me the problem. If you use a hose with a stream of water to wash away aphids “naturally”, you will wash away any Monarch eggs already on the plant. If you use a soap based spray, the soap will kill any Monarch caterpillars. It’s risky.

Carol advised, “The aphids will get eaten and controlled by other critters shortly if you leave them t...