Sticky Deck Under a Tulip Tree? It's Likely Insect Honeydew

Identifying the Source of the Mess

Large, sticky splats raining onto your deck from a tulip tree are almost certainly honeydew—the sugary excrement of sap-feeding insects. The two most common culprits are scale insects and aphids. Both pierce plant tissue and excrete copious amounts of this clear, sticky liquid.

Effective Control Options

Systemic insecticides provide reliable control for both pests. Look for products containing imidacloprid or acetamiprid. Applied as a soil drench or trunk spray, these compounds are taken up by the tree and kill the insects as they feed. Treat early in the growing season for best results.