Posted by MEADOW VIEW on June 01, 19100 at 13:35:58:
In Reply to: crepe myrtle drips posted by Tammie G on June 01, 19100 at 10:28:47:
: Every morning my crepe myrtle is dripping something from the mid to top of the tree. I have also noticed it during the afternoon. Any idea what this is? Maybe some type of insect or parasite. The tree is healthy and growing. Just wondering if this is something I should be worried about.
TAMMIE: If you look closely on the tips of the new growth you will probably notice a small insect. There are several types of Aphids. You probably are experiencing the "honey dew" from the Aphids. There should plenty of ants in the area, they are using the Aphids as cows and taking the honey dew. There is likely a dark gray mold like material forming on the older leaves under the area of Aphid attack, this is a harmless fungus that grows on the honey dew.
For control of the aphids spray with an insecticide on a weekly basis for 2 or 3 weeks. Be sure to follow label directions, the spray should be for Aphids. MVG Plant Dr.