Knowledgebase

Elm tree with bugs? #806543

Asked August 16, 2022, 12:23 PM EDT

I live in QA Co. I am in our woods daily (we grow shiitake mushrooms on logs), but I have never seen this before. Elm tree, bugs? Located on 2 low small branhes only. Yesterday they were all moving, today they are not. Please advise. Thank you! Ann

Queen Anne's County Maryland

Expert Response

Hi!

These look like Beech Blight Aphids, a native species. It's not a concern on wild trees as they do no notable damage, despite how extensive the infestation appears to be. No treatment is needed as they don't harm the tree.

Great observation - Beech Blight Aphids can "dance" and wiggle when disturbed, which might be a way to confuse a potential predator! Despite the dance moves, the natural population of predators should be able to handle this infestation.

Jamie

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 17, 2022, 12:25 PM EDT
Thank you!!! Have a great day!!
Ann



Sent from my Verizon, Samsung Galaxy smartphone


-------- Original message --------
From: Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>>
Date: 8/17/22 12:25 PM (GMT-05:00)
To: Ann Schmidt <<personal data hidden>>
Subject: Re: Elm tree with bugs? (#0076474)

The Question Asker Replied August 17, 2022, 12:37 PM EDT

My pleasure!

Jamie

Answered by the Home and Garden Information Center (HGIC), University of Maryland Extension. For timely gardening information and tips, subscribe to our Maryland Grows blog and quarterly newsletter. Follow us on Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Replied August 17, 2022, 12:45 PM EDT

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