can't get rid of honey dew

[Bonsai Girl]

i have a beautiful 15 year old Tiger Bark Ficus bonsai. The problem is that is has been plagued with honey dew the last two years and is experiencing a lot of leaf drop. I've tried washing it with the hose, spraying it with neem oil, spraying it with home made insecticidal soap and even resorted to spraying it with commercial insecticide. Nothing has gotten rid of the honey dew. I cannot actually see the insect that is causing this problem. Does anyone have any ideas?

 

[sorce]

Pics!

If it's not scale it could be a root pest.


Welcome to Crazy!

Sorce

 

[Forsoothe!]

So, show us a picture of said critter. Bayer's 3-in-1 Rose systemic works well.

 

[Shibui]

Look for tiny brown scale insects on the back of the leaves, usually close to the midrib vein. Honeydew always comes from some insect that's feeding on the tree.
Many insecticides don't kill scale because they are safe under their shells. You'll need an oil based spray to get them and even then you need to cover every surface, back and front of every leaf, branches and trunk. Systemic is also effective but might be more than needed here.