River birch droppings - Ask Extension
Our river birch of say 14 years is dropping white crystals like droppings on the part of the deck that it hangs over and they start out hard then turn...
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River birch droppings #753604
Asked June 02, 2021, 5:02 PM EDT
Our river birch of say 14 years is dropping white crystals like droppings on the part of the deck that it hangs over and they start out hard then turn to a sticky sap like substance after a day or so. I don't think this has ever happened before, but I hate it. PLEASE HELP and thank you so much.
Goodhue County Minnesota
Expert Response
Hi,
I think you have aphids; the sticky stuff is honeydew. Here is information from the U: https://extension.umn.edu/yard-and-garden-insects/aphids
This has never happened before. Do you think this will happen again and how long will this droppings last. I just went out and there sticky to walk on so I hosed them off to see if they come back. I took some pictures and will try to send them.
There’s no way to predict if they’ll like your tree again. I hope not; it’s messy!
I just wanted to let you know that the sticky crystal like droppings quit after 3-4 days. Never seen it before and I hope to never see it again. Thanks for your help.
Good news!
