Ash tree, white bugs - Ask Extension
Hello,
We have a large ash tree and recently noticed clumps of small white bugs damaging leaves. We are hoping someone can tell us what these are a...
Knowledgebase
Ash tree, white bugs #875395
Asked June 30, 2024, 7:07 PM EDT
Hello,
We have a large ash tree and recently noticed clumps of small white bugs damaging leaves. We are hoping someone can tell us what these are and how to protect our tree. We get it treated regularly for ash borers.
Thank you!
Larimer County Colorado
Expert Response
Hi Sarah,
This is ash leafcurl aphid. It's a type of wooly aphid. Fortunately, while it looks alarming, the damage is cosmetic and will not affect the overall health of the tree. You can either prune off those leave clumps or just leave them. They will shed this fall.
There is an option to use systemic insecticides, but this will only control the insects - the leaves will not "correct" themselves this season.
Here is more information: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/soils-amendments-composting/1770-ash-leaves-curling/
This is ash leafcurl aphid. It's a type of wooly aphid. Fortunately, while it looks alarming, the damage is cosmetic and will not affect the overall health of the tree. You can either prune off those leave clumps or just leave them. They will shed this fall.
There is an option to use systemic insecticides, but this will only control the insects - the leaves will not "correct" themselves this season.
Here is more information: https://planttalk.colostate.edu/topics/soils-amendments-composting/1770-ash-leaves-curling/
Thank you so much for responding so quickly! It’s such a relief to hear that the tree is not in danger!
On Jul 1, 2024, at 11:22 AM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
