26 September 2024

Customer Question – Woolly Aphids

Q. “Woolly aphid have infested my fan trained crab apple for the last 3 years – pictures attached. I bought ladybirds x2 in spring but never saw any after I put them on and didn’t make a difference (I’d avoided sprays for 3 weeks before). I switched from chemical spray to neem oil in July. I’ve been squashing and spraying off with water. I’ve never done it frequently enough -a week later it’s back to square one. I’ve just ordered SB plant invigorator. Lace wings look better than ladybirds? Is it best to do now (September) or in the spring?” Helen Phillips

A. Thanks for the message and that is quite an infestation. SB Invigorator is the answer especially while the tree is small and you can spray it easily. Spray now and then again in 7 days when it is due to be dry to kill as much of the pest as possible. Then spray again as needed as and when new outbreaks occur. I would then wait for the leaves to drop, clear them away and then again spray the branches and truck to clear any over-wintering pests – again do it when it is due to be dry.

Then next spring / summer , if the pest re-appears introduce some Lacewing Larvae as soon as the first “wool” appears. Hopefully that will not be necessary as Sb Invigorator is normally very effective against Woolly Aphids.

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