Crape myrtle: Egg infestation and damage - Ask Extension
I have had problems with eggs being laid under crape myrtle
leaves (pictures attached) and the damage t their hatchings (little
black bugs) cause. I b...
Knowledgebase
Crape myrtle: Egg infestation and damage #150339
Asked August 31, 2013, 1:08 PM EDT
I have had problems with eggs being laid under crape myrtle
leaves (pictures attached) and the damage t their hatchings (little
black bugs) cause. I believe the eggs
feed on the leaves because the upper sides of the leaves become shiny leaves before
they deteriorate. I have washed them off by hand (small bush) and sprayed
numerous times with Hi Yield’s BugBlaster II yet they come back within
days.
Is there a way to prevent them?
McLennan County Texas
Expert Response
It is actually aphid carcasses that you are seeing, not eggs. There are numerous methods of control. I am attaching a link to an article that discusses aphids in detail as well as lists many options for control.
https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/html/uc031.html
https://insects.tamu.edu/extension/publications/html/uc031.html