Are These Mites?

[sikadelic]

I decided to snip a few longer shoots from my Arakawa Maple today and saw these on the tips. I haven't inspected the whole tree yet but will after writing this post. Are these mites?

I sprayed the tree with copper 2 days ago as I had a couple black spots on some leaves. The only pest control I have right now is Maliathon. Should I go ahead and hit it? Thanks.

 

[0soyoung]

Look like aphids to me. Just gently squish them or wash them off with a spray of water from your garden hose.

Often (usually?) you will see ants running up and down the stem - ants cultivate aphids (love that honeydew).

 

[sikadelic]

you will see ants running up and down the stem

You are correct....I have seen lots of ants all over the tree. When I clipped off the shoot there was about 5 or 6 ants on 2 leaves. Are they eating the aphids?

 

[whfarro]

You can also spray with some soapy water.

 

[sikadelic]

Ah....I just read an article about ants and aphids. They farm them for the secretion you mentioned. That's really interesting but I want to eradicate those little bastards. Thanks for the info.

 

[Paradox]

Aphids without a doubt.

Irradicate dem bastids

 

[Eric Group]

You are correct....I have seen lots of ants all over the tree. When I clipped off the shoot there was about 5 or 6 ants on 2 leaves. Are they eating the aphids?

They are farming them.. The ants like the residue the aphids produce..

You can squish them, spray soaps... But they usually keep coming back because it can me almost impossible to get them all off.. Or you can just give it a bit of systemic insecticide (if they are allowed in your area) and you will never see them again.

Bayer is what I use.

 

[sikadelic]

Thanks Eric. I removed what I could with my fingers and then hit them with some Neem Oil. I mixed up a fresh batch and will spray weekly or so until I see them decline and them use it periodically to keep them under control.

 

[Eric Group]

Thanks Eric. I removed what I could with my fingers and then hit them with some Neem Oil. I mixed up a fresh batch and will spray weekly or so until I see them decline and them use it periodically to keep them under control.

I used Neem oil for a while.. They laughed at me when I tried it! LOL

They aren't a life threatening bug or anything, but they sure can make some ugly foliage in a hurry.. Try that systemic man, seriously... Makes life easier!

I don't use it on azaleas to protect the bees... figure I should be careful.. And I have heard Elms do not react well to it, but haven't tested that theory... But Maples, Boxwoods, juniper... That sort of stuff... Oh yeah buddy! Keeps away those damned aphids and any kind of insect that likes to drain sap or chew on leaves!

 

[Giga]

I use bayers too and it keeps pretty much everything at bay. I put my trees slightly suspended in a large Rubbermaid and water the tree with bayers and then let the tub evaporate dry behind my shed covered with mesh. I try and keep the harmful stuff away from anything good or in the water table. Lots more work but I feel like I'm doing my part.

 

[GrimLore]

The only pest control I have right now is Maliathon. Should I go ahead and hit it?

Here I set the garden hose to jet and knock them all off and then hit the tree with Malathion after it dries off. Myself I only seem to need one application as they seem to show up once during any season here. Out of habit I always spray and let the spray dry or oil set in a shaded area.

Grimmy

 

[Dav4]

You only need to keep them at bay for a few weeks. Aphids seem to prefer new, soft growth, so once the new foliage hardens off, the aphids will be gone. Fwiw, this is the first year I've ever had issues with aphids on my maples...Isotox did them in.

 

[Nybonsai12]

Although NOT as effective, but twice as fun as any chemicals (especially if you have young kids) is to release ladybugs.

I had some aphids a year or two ago, Ladybugs did the ol kobayashi on em and then left town on me.

 

[quietobserver]

Must be a good year for aphids. First time I've ever had real problems with them.

 

[zachkent29]

Speaking of ladybugs, where is a good source for those online? I see some on Amazon, are those "quality" bugs or will they be dead on arrival?

 

[Nybonsai12]

i had an amazon gift card so I got from one of those random places. I forget how many i ordered. There were definitley some dead but the majority were alive. You may also be able to check local garden center/nurseries to ensure they are alive and avoid shipping issues.

 

[sorce]

Ordering ladybugs from elsewhere brings diseases that can kill your local ladybugs.

I'd try a predator attractor. They're said to work.

Sorce

 

[Nybonsai12]

Ordering ladybugs from elsewhere brings diseases that can kill your local ladybugs.

I'd try a predator attractor. They're said to work.

Sorce

Can you explain sorce? Do you mean if the ladybugs brought in are carrying disease that can infect local ladybugs? I would think they would be free of disease, no?

 

[sorce]

Can you explain sorce? Do you mean if the ladybugs brought in are carrying disease that can infect local ladybugs? I would think they would be free of disease, no?

I read somewheres they carry stuff that will put a hurting on local ones.

I can't find the predator bug attractor, but in searching For it I found a thing on flowers that will also attract predators.

Sorce

 

[M. Frary]

Bayer is what I use.

Same here. I blast the elms too. I don't see any reaction. I get rose chafers eating my leaves.