My wife's uncle, who grew up on a farm, recommended I use wood ashes on my onions to kill the "worms" that attack them; only to apply sparsely. From another source, I heard that wood ashes can be used against the Red Lily Bug on lilies and fritillaria: It was recommended to cover the fritillaria with ashes, then wash it off and repeat after two weeks. I'll be trying it this spring and will let you all know... that I... burned them dead. I'll also try a spray of alcohol, as recommended by several on this forum. J. Denys Bourque Saint-Jacques, NB CANADA