Q&A – Would it be effective to spray my crape myrtle with dormant oil to kill aphids?

Question:
Would it be effective to spray my crape myrtle with dormant oil to kill aphids?
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Answer:
Yes, it would be very effective. Gardener Peter Richards says in fall aphids lay eggs on the small branches. He recommends spraying with oil in early spring before the tree leaves out. During the summer the crape myrtle aphid gives live birth. UT Extension Agent Chris Cooper says you can spray dormant oil in the winter and if the infestation appears in the summer you can spray with neem oil. Make sure you read and follow the directions on the oil container because some oils can damage plants if sprayed at the wrong time.
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Related Videos:
Dormant Oils
Spraying Dormant Oil

​Related Resources:
UT Extension Horticultural Oils Handout  
Use Summer Oils Safely