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Weeping Bald Cyprus


Question
Why is my beautiful bald Cyprus tree weeping?  I have sticky sap all over my
walkway and my deck.  It comes down like mist in Seattle.  It is very annoying
because I can't find a way to stop it or to clean it up once it is all over my deck.

Answer
Sounds like an insect called aphids.
Aphids are small (1/16-1/8 inch long), soft bodied insects commonly called plant lice or ant cows. Virtually every plant has at least one aphid species that attacks it. These small insects are masters of reproduction and are often found in great numbers on stems or leaves. Some species even feed on the roots of plants. They range in color from green to brown, red, black or purple. Some species may even have different color forms in the same colony. Most have the soft exoskeleton exposed, but some species produce waxy, cottony strands which cover the body. These are often called woolly aphids.
They suck the plant juices from the leaves and twigs.  Aphids excrete a sugary liquid called honeydew. This honeydew drips onto plant foliage or other structures and provides a suitable place for black sooty molds to grow. Ants often tend or care for aphids in return for the honeydew. Therefore, if ants are running over a plant, look carefully for aphids. Probably the most common disturbance caused by aphids is their never-ending production of honeydew. This sweet liquid drips onto plant foliage and stems and is soon covered with black sooty mold. Cars, sidewalks, and lawn furniture under trees with aphids are also covered with this sticky fluid.
The best way to rid the plant of aphids is with an insecticide.
Chemical Control - Contact Insecticides Numerous contact insecticides are registered for aphid control. Since aphids are often placed under considerable pesticide pressure in field crops and greenhouses, they may be resistant to certain categories of insecticides. Therefore, if you do not obtain reasonable control, consider rotation to another insecticide. Contact insecticides currently registered for aphid control include: acephate (Orthene),  bifenthrin (Talstar), chlorpyrifos (Dursban), , diazinon, , malathion, nicotine sulfate, pyrethrum,  rotenone, resmethrin, and tetramethrin + sumithrin.

Strategy 6: Chemical Control - Systemic Insecticides Several systemic insecticides are useful in aphid control. Aphids have sucking mouthparts and are thus very susceptible to pesticides located in the plant vascular system. Some of the systemic insecticides also have contact activity. Systemics injected or applied to the ground are less harmful to beneficial insects. Systemic insecticides include: acephate (Orthene).


Check with your local nursery and ask for an insecticide for aphids on trees.
Control the aphids and the sticky will wash away with rain fall.

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