Eucalyptus ficifolia bugs

walterk

I have some bugs in cocoons eating the leaves and leaving bumps on the stems. Can these bugs kill the tree? what can I do to make them leave?

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ArbTrain

Hi,, i cannot get your picture to enlarge enough to get a good look at you problem, however there a few things you can do.. first since you are obviously into your gardening , obtain a copy of the following book- " what garden pest or disease is that?".. by Judy McMaugh.. this thing is the pest/ disease bible- i love it. Take a sample to your local garden ctr. if you still need help. remember, not all bugs are the end of the world and need to send us reaching for the chemicals,, some just move on, some do a little cosmetic damage, but the tree is not really hurt. You need to bear in mind an old saying taught to me in my Hort. studies- pest and diseases only attack a specimen that already has its guard down. ( not 100% true, but pretty close),, is the Euc. suffering in any other way? ,.. has there been any excavation/ covering of the root zone?. Has there been ant severe/ dodgy pruning? Has the cambium been opened up? Couldnt hurt to give it a big feed of liquid fert. Fish based products are excellent for a 'quick feed"- but also have the advantage of detering bugs when sprayed on the foliage. All the best- im sure some one who can get a good look at you problem will be able to give you further advice.. there are some smart cookies here abouts.

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Paul Goodall

I can't work it out from the pic either.

I was thinking maybe a lerp-forming psyllid but it looks far too big for that.

walterk

Thanks for your help. There are bugs inside the cocoons that are black with a white head. The bugs can also spin a web. I thought the tree was healthy, it has grown really well and had great flowers. The bugs stick their head and legs out to move over and eat the leaves. If they are Psyllids what can I do?

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derwoodii

How bigs your tree...?

Pesticide may work using your hand may work More often the critter will move on before you have practical attack plan.
this time of year watch out for cup moth catapillar on cor fica they are green slug like with hairs that pop up and sting when disturbed.

Paul Goodall

Walter would you mind if I forwarded your pics on to one of my old Horticulture trainers?

I still have no idea but he might.

walterk

no please do. I was hoping the bugs would be harmless and I would not have to kill them but half my beautiful tree is now in bad shape. my tree is only 1.5 x 1.5 so picked as many as I could see off.

Paul Goodall

The best you can do for now is prune off the affected foliage whilst still retaining/managing the shape of the tree, apply some Seasol and a handful of slow release fertiliser wouldn't hurt either, and water. And keep an eye out for any more bugs.

Gums are okay with general purpose fertiliser as they're not as phosphate sensitive as some natives but if you have some native specific fertiliser you may as well use that.

Will copy and forward your pics.