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Woolly Aphid on Apple Tree?
dj-mwr
Posts: 2
Help!
We've recently noticed that the Apple Tree in our garden has an infestation of Woolly aphid - they're pretty much all over it.
Does anyone have any experience combating this? We're worried as we've read that it's difficult to get rid of and could ultimately kill the tree. 
Any help appreciated.
Thanks
0
Posts
It is a bit of a pain to get rid of and sprays don't really work because the aphids are protected by the cotton wool coating. The good news is that my trees have had this problem for years and - while it is unsightly - they still produce a good crop of apples every year.
I usually try to scrub off as much as I can with a stiff scrubbing brush. A strong jet of water from the hose might also dilodge them. Hanging a bird feeder to attract birds who might eat some of the aphids could also help. Blue tits are pretty helpful little birds so try to attract those
Last edited: 11 August 2016 13:03:24
I've seen large flocks of long tailed tits swarming over apple trees in the winter, so much do they love woolly aphids ... such a wonderful sight it's almost worth having the aphids
Gardening in Central Norfolk on improved gritty moraine over chalk ... free-draining.
Ah, ok. We do have a bird feeder that does tend to attract Blue Tits, so that's a good thing.
Taking a scrubbing brush to the tree is also a good idea.
If anyone else has any tips, that would be great.