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Red bugs on Acer

alright guys. I have 3 acers in my garden, in pots, which are starting to put on leaves now and are looking pretty healthy.
I was out in the garden earlier and I noticed hundreds of little red bugs on the buds/new leaf growth. 
they are red/brown in colour and seem to resemble the common flea! what the hell are they and how do I get rid of them?
thanks

Posts

  • B3B3 Posts: 25,245
    It's a bit early for that kind of pest. Where are you?
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • Plymouth. I did feed the plants a few weeks back when they were just breaking out of buds
  • B3B3 Posts: 25,245
    Could you get a picture? It might just be aphids. They tend to go red if they're eating red leaves.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
  • sure, I'll do that. thanks
  • ok, that proved impossible! I have a crap phone and the focus was not good enough. something I've noticed is that they are only on two of the three acers. the two affected are both green leaved acers (can't remember their names) and the one completely bug free is a purple leaved acer. not sure if there is any significance to this
  • B3B3 Posts: 25,245
    If they are aphids, you should be able to rub them off. Be very gentle so that you don't damage the new leaves.
    In London. Keen but lazy.
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