The Grounded Orchardist

Have you noticed a wooly substance on your fruit trees? Its probably Woolly aphid. The clever little aphid covers itself in a protective wax substance to evade predators and it works very well.

When disturbed (Squashed) it leaves the bloody residue all over what has touched it, really not pleasant especially on a hot summers day…I speak from bitter experience. I was pruning some very overgrown Queen Cox open centred trees and they had gathered in the very middle of the growth I needed to cut out. I was covered in their blood…a day I’ll never forget!

The Woolly aphid often hides in crevices and if left untreated will suck the sap from your tree bark. Leaving unsightly lumpy bark and a very weakened tree.

So, what can be done for Woolly Aphid? Cut them out if possible or if you can bear it…glove up and squash them, brush them off with a washing up brush and maybe spray with a soapy water mix.