How to rid Crape Myrtle ahpids??? - DIY Chatroom

mopowers · 08-29-2009, 05:01 PM

My Crape Myrtle tree at my new house is being insfested by aphids. It is a very young tree and the leaves are starting to fall off. Are the aphids killing this tree? If so, how do I get rid of them?

Thanks.

bob22 · 08-29-2009, 07:32 PM

Aphids is a better spelling to use for googling. Try googling crape myrtle aphids; here's a few hits. May depend on what state you are located:

http://ufinsect.ifas.ufl.edu/crape_myrtle.htm

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/c...quickref/trees

/crapemyrtle_problems.htmlhttp://www.zlew.net/thoughts/?p=274

http://www.zlew.net/thoughts/?p=274

downunder · 08-30-2009, 06:26 PM

Quote:

Are the aphids killing this tree

Quote:

Aphids is a better spelling

?????

Quote:

It is a very young tree and the leaves are starting to fall off.

Since it is young, it most likely has a minimal root system. Unless you just planted it a couple of weeks ago and haven't watered it, I wouldn't worry on that account. As far as the leaves, given the season it is about time for them to start falling from crepes anyway.

That said, are you sure you have aphids? Frankly I'm not sure if I have ever seen aphids on crepes. They are just not that common on the more tougher plants. Besides that, I have only seen aphids on the tender young shoots and buds, and I'm not seeing that on crepes this time of year. But to answer your question, any common garden and ornamental pesticide will work if you want to follow that route. Personally, I would just hose them off with a very hard watering. Try it every morning for a week and see. Make sure with any control method that you get under the leaves as well.

Lali · 11-07-2009, 08:42 AM

I agree on all counts with 'downunder' except the use of pesticides. A good hard blast with cold water will usually do the trick!