Aphids or Scale on Globe Willow: Honeydew, Wasps, and Control

Diagnosis

Sticky "rain," black sooty mold on branches, wasps/bees congregating = aphids or soft scale excreting honeydew. Wasps farm the sugar.

Control Options

Systemic (Best for Large Trees)

• Imidacloprid (Bayer Advanced Tree & Shrub Insect Control) soil drench in spring.
• Roots transport to leaves; kills sucking insects for months.
• Less harm to beneficials than foliar sprays.

Foliar Contact Sprays (If Needed)

• Acephate (Orthene), bifenthrin (Talstar), malathion, pyrethrum, insecticidal soap.
• Rotate chemistries if resistance suspected.
• Difficult on large trees—coverage is key.

Outcome

Control the sap-feeders → honeydew stops → wasps leave → sooty mold weathers off. Tree health improves.