[ember]

I have a general query about some new lodgers in our garden.
There are thousands of black willow aphids on our willow. They are producing a lot of sap which drips down like light rain when we walk under it. ( its at the side of two pathways)

I read that the aphids do no harm to willow. Problem is we have loads of wasps and flies hovering about which Im afraid may sting one of our 3 children.

I cant seen to see a wasps nest any where

Anybody have similar experience?
any advice would be appreciated

Thanks

Ember

[BlackBird]

Hello Ember. The wasps will be around the tree because of the black aphids like you say. They will be attracted by the sticky honeydew that aphids produce from their anus.
One way to reduce the wasps is to reduce the honeydew by reducing the aphids. Try blasting these aphids off the tree with a high powered jet of water from your garden hose.
If its any consolation, the aphids will stop producing the honeydew around about the end of the month.

[ember]

hello blackbird

thanks for your reply, we have tried to get rid of aphids by sweeping them off, its amazing they multipy quicker than rabbits it seem.

will try the hose next

thanks

ember