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Help with bug infestation in tree

nongreenfingersbutwantnongreenfingersbutwant Posts: 19
in Problem solving

I think this is an elderflower tree but this year it is full of little black bugs. Sitting under the tree even for a little while you get covered as they drop down. See pink towel picture of black dots which are the bugs after 30 minutes. Can anyone advise what these are and how to get rid of please. Will the tree need to be cut down as it is infested with them?

Posts

  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    Blackfly ... a type of aphid .... turn a fierce jet of water from a hose on them.  Hopefully the bluetits will soon be feasting on them to feed their nestlings.  

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





  • ObelixxObelixx Posts: 30,090
    Sambucus nigra - elderflower - are known for being susceptible to black aphids.   All you can do is wait for the predators to arrive:-

    ladybirds, lacewings, hoverflies and some wasps will all consume aphids by the hundreds and/or have larvae which will guzzle them with gay abandon.  You can also buy predators but I'm not sure how you'd apply them to a tree that high - https://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profile?pid=507

    Sparrows and tits will also hoover up the aphids to feed to their nestlings as a source of moisture and protein.
    Vendée - 20kms from Atlantic coast.
    "The price good men (and women) pay for indifference to public affairs is to be ruled by evil men (and women)."
    Plato
  • FireFire Posts: 19,096
    There's not much you can do with a big tree like that. The tree won't suffer, if that's any consolation. I guess, I find a spot to sit that is not under the canopy.
  • nongreenfingersbutwantnongreenfingersbutwant Posts: 19
    thanks all.  we have all the above predators but i dont think they can keep up with the sheer numbers but at least they are having a feast. 

    good to know the tree is not dying or ill but it is not great to sit under as it literally rains aphids on our decking.

    i have learnt about jet hosing with water so will give that a try and see if i can reduce the numbers and maybe also buy lots of ladybirds and let them loose...........
  • DovefromaboveDovefromabove Posts: 88,147
    It’s the time of year ... there’s often a glut of aphids about now ... they love the tender new shoots ... as I said, hose the worst off, the birds etc will get most of the rest and the new shoots will toughen up and be less appealing to the aphids. 

    Then in the autumn the wonderful elderberries will drop on you when you sit out there with your ☕️ 🍷 🍸 or 🍺 .., the joys of nature 😎 

    Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.





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