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Little black white aphids infestation causing black decay
Hi
I have two elder trees in my garden. This year for the first time they are infested with what look like little black and white or grey aphid type insects. They seem yo have caused lots of leaves to shrivel up and die. They also seem to cause the leaves to be covered in a black liwuid a bot like thin engine oil. The effects have spread to my roses and other flowers and bushes nearby. Any advice on what this is and what to do.
Thanks
Susan
0
Posts
Depends on how big the elders are. Aphids and blackfly love elder as it's so easy to feed from. Anything like roses will be easy targets if nearby. You can spray with soapy water or go down the natural route and buy in some ladybird and lacewing larvae and ladybirds which are available online. I think I'd start with the soapy water then when the insects arrive let them get on with it. Or as a last resort cut down the elder.