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Cotton like substance on my apple tree #650174

Asked June 12, 2020, 9:19 PM EDT

Can you please take a look at the attached pictures and tell me what this object is on my apple tree. It looks like soft cotton. And if there is any way to resolve please advise.

Prince George's County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi- this appears to wooly apple aphid, a fairly common insect pest. It is not considered a significant pest, although large populations can cause root damage. You can wipe them off by hand, dislodge them with a spray of water, or spray with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil:
https://extension.umd.edu/hgic/topics/woolly-aphids-trees
https://content.ces.ncsu.edu/woolly-apple-aphid
Jon
Answered by the Home & Garden Information Center's Maryland Certified Professional Horticulturists Replied June 15, 2020, 8:20 AM EDT

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