Question From: J. Kienzler - Bellingham, Washington, United States
Q: My pear and cherry tree blossoms are suddenly full of what I believe are aphids or mites (not seen yet on leaves). Hard to see but 1 in lower right of 1st pic. Have not seen them yet on apple blossoms - not fully open yet. Is there anything I can apply or do to get rid of them from blossoms that will not kill or deter bees and other beneficial bugs. Lost most of the fruit last year, probably for same reason. I did treat the trees with organic dormant spray this winter but ??
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A: To treat for mites spray the tree with horticulture; oil in very early spring. (Bonide All Seasons Horticultural and Dormant Oil).There are many organic sprays for aphids. Visit a good independent garden center or one of the organic websites such and Natural Planet, this one you can also get online at Amazon. The secret is to spray just at sunset or very early in the morning when before the beneficials are out and about. Do not spray when the trees are in bloom. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
