Tiny white bugs on sour cherry tree - Ask Extension
I am new to oregon and have a horrible infestation of tiny greenish white aphid-like bugs on a sour cherry tree. How do I get rid of them?? I live in ...
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Tiny white bugs on sour cherry tree #876393
Asked July 08, 2024, 5:06 PM EDT
I am new to oregon and have a horrible infestation of tiny greenish white aphid-like bugs on a sour cherry tree. How do I get rid of them?? I live in Beaverton.
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Hi Linda and welcome to Oregon. Without a picture, I can't be sure what you are seeing as there are many bugs that love cherry trees, but they do sound like aphids.
To control aphids, take a hose with the strongest nozzle you can find and spray a harsh stream of water during the heat of the day to knock them off. Keep the area around the base of your tree weed free, as some of the weeds here are great harbors for aphids. If you can't wait for the ladybugs and lacewings to show up and get control of the outbreak, you can spray an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil (available in most garden sections) on the tree.
Be sure not to fertilize the tree as too much nitrogen also encourages aphids and keep it watered to maintain health over the summer. Cherries take a lot of work in the Willamette Valley but I love tart cherries and their health benefits are being touted everywhere these days!
Good luck and if this doesn't work, send in some pictures of the bugs.
To control aphids, take a hose with the strongest nozzle you can find and spray a harsh stream of water during the heat of the day to knock them off. Keep the area around the base of your tree weed free, as some of the weeds here are great harbors for aphids. If you can't wait for the ladybugs and lacewings to show up and get control of the outbreak, you can spray an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil (available in most garden sections) on the tree.
Be sure not to fertilize the tree as too much nitrogen also encourages aphids and keep it watered to maintain health over the summer. Cherries take a lot of work in the Willamette Valley but I love tart cherries and their health benefits are being touted everywhere these days!
Good luck and if this doesn't work, send in some pictures of the bugs.
I think they might be white ash flys. Does that make sense?
Might the same techniques work?
Hi again Linda- It would be helpful to have a picture, but yes, the same techniques would be a good place to start. I hope you have picked all your cherries, as this heat will ripen them very quickly!
