Q&A – What is this problem with my miniature crape myrtles?
Question:
What is this problem with my miniature crape myrtles?
Answer:
This is an infestation of the crape myrtle aphid. You can see the buildup of sooty mold on the leaves from the honeydew secreted by the aphids. It is not crape myrtle bark scale because the creatures are on the leaves. There are several ways to get rid of the aphids. You can try to blast them off with a jet of water from a garden hose. Another option is to use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. A third option is to use a soil drench with imidacloprid. The imidacloprid will be taken up by the plant and kill the insects that feed on it.
Related Resources:
Crape Myrtle Pruning
Crape Myrtle Disease, Insect, and Pests
What is this problem with my miniature crape myrtles?
Answer:
This is an infestation of the crape myrtle aphid. You can see the buildup of sooty mold on the leaves from the honeydew secreted by the aphids. It is not crape myrtle bark scale because the creatures are on the leaves. There are several ways to get rid of the aphids. You can try to blast them off with a jet of water from a garden hose. Another option is to use insecticidal soaps or neem oil. A third option is to use a soil drench with imidacloprid. The imidacloprid will be taken up by the plant and kill the insects that feed on it.
Related Resources:
Crape Myrtle Pruning
Crape Myrtle Disease, Insect, and Pests