Crepe Myrtle Sooty Mold: Stop the Aphids

The thick black coating on your crepe myrtle leaves is sooty mold on aphid honeydew. Beetles you spray for are likely Japanese beetles—different pest.

Control Aphids = Stop Mold

1. Systemic soil drench (imidacloprid/dinotefuran) in early spring—best season-long.
2. Monthly foliar spray (insecticidal soap, neem, pyrethrin) after leaf-out for 2–3 months.
3. Cover undersides! Aphids hide there.

Why Monthly?

Aphids reproduce fast. Monthly sprays prevent population explosions. Systemic does heavy lifting; foliar catches breakthroughs.

Beetles vs. Aphids

• Japanese beetles: chew flowers/leaves (summer).
• Aphids: suck sap, cause black mold (spring–fall).
• Different sprays needed—systemic covers both.

Start systemic at bud break; supplement with soap if needed. Black mold will vanish.