Question
My pink crepe myrtles have developed a great deal of yellow leaves and a wet looking covering on most of the green and yellow leaves.  What can I do about this?  Is there a spray of something to use?

Thank you for your help.

Answer
Hi Terry.

I think that this problem sounds like an insect problem, possibly aphids.  You should take a close look at the leaves and look for small, soft bodied insects.  They may be hiding on the underside of the leaves.  Aphids produce a substance called honeydew which can be a little sticky and glossy.  This may be the wet look you are describing.

Here is a link to a great fact sheet about crape myrtle aphids.  http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/ent/notes/O&T/shrubs/note31/note31.html
Included is a list of chemicals that you can look for at your local garden center. This link also gives great information about the aphid and management options.

Good luck with your plants!
--Jen