Help! My Japanese Maple is covered in bugs

Mrs O

Could anyone identify what bugs are attacking my Japanese maple and have any idea what to do about it? I am trying to be organic so I would like to avoid harsh pesticides if possible. 

Many thanks in advance

Dave Morgan

Aphids, use a solution of mildy soapy water or get some ladybird/lacewing larvae as a natural control. The mild weather has helped them breed like nothing I've seen in recent years.

autumnglory

Mine is covered too.  I've blasted them with bug spray, just hope I've got them before they do too much damage. I've got two and they're only feasting on the one.

Bee witched

Hi Mrs O,

Try using a spray of diluted Neem oil ... it is totally organic.

See this link for further info.

http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-oil-insecticide.html

and this one for how to make it.

http://www.discoverneem.com/neem-insect-spray.html

Works for me!

 

 

Mrs O

Thank you for your advise. I've given them a good blast today with the garden hose and sprayed on some soapy water. Think I will do the same tomorrow and look into that neem oil as well.