Could someone suggest how I get rid of the Aphids on our new apple tree? We only planted it about 3 months ago, it is about 4 feet high. It has been so healthy until a week ago. Thank you
Check that if you also have ants on your tree. They "farm" aphids for their honey dew. If there are ants then use something like Tanglefoot to form a barrier to the ants and then spray off the aphids either with water or a dilute dish soap solution. If there are any ladybugs around they will eat the aphids so encourage them. Hope this helps. Margaret
It is a very, very sticky substance which is readily available in most garden centers. The idea is to wrap some type of material around the tree trunk, making sure not to leave any spaces between the bark and material. You then coat the material with the Tanglefoot being extremely careful not to get it on yourself. I also place it above the height of the dog's tail. It is not poisonous but is very hard to remove!!! I tried a double sided tape which is supposed to do the same job but it was useless. I also use it to stop ants from climbing down to the humming bird feeder. Good luck. Margaret
I know that many of the specialty garden centers in my area sell dormant (refrigerated) ladybug larvae. I'm pretty sure that adult ladybugs could be purchased as well but the larvae can't fly off on you haha. Larvae treatments and tanglefoot is the best combination for aphid control that I know of. Good luck!
4' tree, could you not just clean them up with a garden hose and a bit by hand? Do beware it is very hot right now here in lower BC. Safer's soap mixed at label rates right now can burn your tree very seriously. If you do choose to spray, mix at 1/3 label rates, it does not take much to control aphids. A second treatment in a couple weeks is better then planting a new tree. Regards Jim.
