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sap dropping from maple tree


Question
We have tiny yellowish spots over out entire car which is parked partly under a maple tree in Florida. It is nearly impossible to remove these spots. What is it  from and any suggestions how to remove these spots? They are not sticky.

Answer
Sounds like an insect either aphids or scales both suck the plant juices and secrete a substance called honeydew which is high in sugar content and sticky.

To control the sticky honeydew you will need to control the sucking insects--on large trees is would be next to impossible to get a good spray coverage of all the foliage to kill the insects. there is a soil applied insecticide called Bayer Advanced Tree and Shrub Insect Control that can be used. It is applied around the tree and the roots will carry the insecticide to the leaves and twigs and when the insects suck the plant juices they are killed, This treatment will last the whole season. It will take a week or so for the insecticide to reach the top of large trees especially if the weather is dry. Here is a web link to this product--check with your local garden type store for it.

http://www.bayeradvanced.com/tree-shrub-care/products/12-month-tree-shrub-insect...

Here is a link to a web site on information on removing the sap or honeydew from cars. http://www.usautoparts.net/bmw/repairs/detailing/tree_sap.htm  

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