Watch out for sucking insects; they’ll suck the green right out of you!

This month we’re talking sucking insects.  The culprits: Scale and Aphids.  Often these creatures are overlooked due to their size (less than1/8 of an inch to less than1/32 of an inch) until evidence of plant distress becomes evident.  These insects have piercing mouthparts that suck the sap and cell contents out of their victims, leaving large areas of the plant in decline.  A black, powdery mold is another evidence of the presence of these pests.  Honeydew is a sugary liquid excreted by scale while they actively feed on their host.  The black mold feeds on the honeydew along with bees, wasps, and ants.  Parked cars, sidewalks, and benches can become covered with this sugary, sticky mess.  It is imperative to catch and address these symptoms early.  Heavy infestation can cause tremendous damage and can be a challenge to treat efficiently.  Give us a call to check out your property!