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Woolly Oak Aphid Identification and Control on Sand Live Oaks

Identification

White, fluffy, slightly sticky material on leaf undersides and twig junctions is the waxy secretion of woolly oak aphids. Honeydew drips below.

Control

Spray contact insecticides every 7–10 days for several weeks to catch hatching nymphs. Options: acephate (Orthene), bifenthrin (Talstar), chlorpyrifos (Dursban), diazinon, malathion, pyrethrum, or soil-applied systemics. They won't kill the tree but can cause premature leaf drop.

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