Question
Somtimes my plum tree gets invested with aphids expecially when there are ants around, I noticed on my Italian plum tree that the new shoots had the bugs on them I squished them with my fingers and noticed a few ants also, last year my other green and pinkish burgandy plum was almost destroyed by aphids by the time I noticed them, I had tons of bees and wasps and lady bugs eating the aphids also, I sprayed water and soap on my tree and killed the bugs but almost killed my tree too, how can I control the aphids safely, and save the fruit?

Answer
Hi Georgia,
Thanx for your question.  Bees, wasps and ants feed on the aphids.  Use a horticultural oil.  Here is a link.  If you will give me your state and county, I can put you in touch with your local county extension agent who can provide you first hand free advice for your area.  I hope this helps.
Tom

http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/insect/05520.html