Woolly Aphids

Garden Problems

White cotton wool like fluffy 'growth' found on the bark and branches of certain trees and shrubs.

Identify the problem
Woolly aphids are usually seen as a fluffy white growth on the bark of plants including apples, pears, pyracantha, cotoneaster, elm and mountain ash. It is often mistaken for a fungal growth. The aphids hide under this 'cotton wool like material, they are oval, 2 mm in size and pink-brown. Feeding by woolly aphids can cause galls. They are often found close to pruning wounds.
How to solve the problem
To Get Rid of Woolly Aphids:
- Woolly aphids can be difficult to get rid of but spraying with PLANThealth Spectrum and/or Organic Insect Control followed by Organic Super Spraying Oil is most effective, killing aphids through suffocation. However, do not spray in the middle of the day or in strong sunlight or high temperature as this can cause burning of the plant. It is best to apply to the crawling and young stages of scale insect.
- Once control has been achieved PLANThealth Spectrum is a good option for prevention and control of aphids and the mould that often accompanies them. They can also be applied before (at least one day) application of Organic Super Spraying Oil.