What kills bugs on crepe myrtles?

What kills bugs on crepe myrtles?

If it is determined to be absolutely necessary, various insecticides are labeled for use by homeowners against aphids on crape myrtles. These include insecticidal soap, horticultural oil, pyrethrins, neem oil, permethrin, cyfluthrin, cyhalothrin, acephate, or malathion.

How do you get rid of crepe myrtle mites?

Sprays. Heavy spider mite populations damage myrtle foliage and spread to nearby plants. Insecticidal soap or horticultural oil, sprayed on the pests and over the plant, kills the pests on contact. They can be used through the growing season and are also effective on other crape myrtle pests such as thrips and aphids.

How do I get rid of white bugs on my crepe myrtle?

Treatment. The best window for control is late April or early May as the crapemyrtles begin to really flush, and can be applied through July. Apply a soil drench of an imidacloprid product such as Ferti-Lome Tree & Shrub Systemic Insect Drench during this period.

How do I keep aphids off my crepe myrtles?

A final option I’ll mention for managing aphids on crape myrtles is to use one of the soil-applied imidacloprid products. There are several of these labeled for use on ornamental trees and shrubs. Imidacloprid is able to move from roots to stems and leaves.

What causes aphids on Crepe Myrtles?

This is sooty mold, and it grows where insects have secreted a sugary substance called honeydew. When crape myrtle leaves are covered in sooty mold, the crapemyrtle aphid is the likely culprit.

What kind of bugs are on crape myrtle trees?

In South Carolina, the most important insect pest is the crape myrtle aphid ( Sarucallis kahawaluokalani ), which is found on the leaves and twigs of crape myrtle. Crape myrtle aphids feed only on crape myrtle trees.

Why are the leaves on my crape myrtle turning sooty?

The aphid also damages the crape myrtle by secreting honeydew, a waste from the aphid containing sugars that encourage the growth of sooty mold. Sooty mold coats the leaves, reducing the tree’s ability to make food.

What to do about spider mites on crape myrtles?

Severe spider mite infestations can weaken crape myrtles, leaving them susceptible to other diseases such as powdery mildew or black sooty mold. Try washing the plants with a forceful stream of water, such as that from the hose, aimed at the undersides of leaves in the middle of the day.

What should I avoid when planting a crape myrtle?

Avoid planting crape myrtles in overly wet locations and avoid getting moisture into the branches and leaves, which creates habitats for insects to thrive. Try to plant varieties that are resistant to diseases, such as powdery mildew, and insects.

What kind of bug eats crape myrtle leaves?

Crape myrtle aphids feed only on crape myrtle trees. Japanese beetle ( Popillia japonica) is also a pest and feeds on both leaves and flowers.

Why are the leaves on my crepe myrtles turning sooty?

Sooty mold is a fungus that covers the leaves and looks like you just sprayed your crepe myrtle with asphalt. (Note to reader: This is seldom a good idea.) The mold doesn’t feed on the foliage.

Severe spider mite infestations can weaken crape myrtles, leaving them susceptible to other diseases such as powdery mildew or black sooty mold. Try washing the plants with a forceful stream of water, such as that from the hose, aimed at the undersides of leaves in the middle of the day.

How to get rid of crepe myrtle aphids?

You might also notice that the leaves are sticky or covered in a black mildew; both are side effects of this creature. A daily blast with a garden hose on the underside of the leaves is an effective and environmentally friendly way to destroy whole aphid colonies.