Hi Pamela,

Thank you for reaching out to the helpline. Unfortunately, we don't make house calls but are you are able to upload any photos? If you could, it would help us help you identify the problem.

Thank you,

Hi Pamela,

Thank you for the photo. It was forwarded to our plant pathologist here at UVM and she is unable to identify the insect. There is a possibility of magnolia scale beginning to develop, which are insects that can be hard to detect. They change appearance over the course of their life cycle and can blend in to the bark of the tree. It could be that the black bugs you see are not causing the damage but rather the scale. 

Magnolia scale will secrete a honeydew that can cover leaves, the ground or anything nearby. This honeydew can attract flies and other insects as it is a sweet treat for them. The honeydew will develop a sooty mold that's blackish in color that you will see on the leaves and other objects and this is often the phase that the magnolia scale is first discovered. 

Check the undersides of the leaves and look closely for the soft shells or bumps on the branches. They can range in color from dark brown/black to pinkish white depending on age. Here is a great link with very informative photos of these stages and what to look for:

Magnolia Scale

Magnolia scale can often easily be scraped off. Keeping the plant healthy and vigorous by fertilizing it and keeping it well watered with help naturally ward off predators. This link provides some management strategies:

Management

I Hope this helps. Please feel free to reach back out if you have more questions.

Thank you for the clarification.