Aphids invadeing my Curly Willow Tree

[Gracefulspice]

I didn't know where to post this so please feel free to move it where it may belong.

In my searching today for Jap Bettles for my hens I discovered that my Curly Willow has what I think are Aphids.
Quite a few branches are covered with these tiny bugs. My question is what can I use to kill these bugs and it still be safe for my chickens? Would DE work. I read some place in BYC that someone made a solution and can use it as a spray. My bag of DE didn't specify which bugs it would kill, but I do remember something about exosceleton. I don't think these bugs have that. I don't want to use a poision because the chickens love to scratch under this tree. Any sugestions? I posted a picture below. It's kinda fuzzy tho.

 

[hypnofrogstevie]

I am thinking about vaseline on the branches but it would be so messy. I would make the solution and try it. If it works then keep spraying. Dont make to much. maybe enough to spray one branch. Hope this advice helps a little?

 

[Poison Ivy]

I used to use warm water & a few drops of dish washing liquid in a spray bottle for my plants. You could try mixing de in some warm water and spraying it on to see if it would work or just dust it on the branches.

 

[Dawn419]

If you have access to fresh oregano and mint, you can make a tea from them both and use it as a spray to kill the aphids.

Dawn

 

[65browneyes]

Crazy as this may sound........I've heard Lady Bugs loooooove aphids. My mother-in-law bought some live lady bugs at Home Depot (yes, I had a hard time beleiving it, too). She took them home to her rose bush and the rose bush now is healthier and more beautiful than ever.

I'm thinking a tree may need more than a $3 bag, but might be worth a try?

 

[Gracefulspice]

It's funny you mention the lady bugs. I see alot of those on this tree near the alphids. I was going to dust the areas with DE yesterday but when I saw the Lady Bugs I didn't want to harm them. Mabey I need more lady bugs? I too have a local garden center that sells Landy bugs and Praying Mantis. Mabey I'll go get a bag and they can feast on these tiny yuckie aphid bugs. The tree is not so large it stands about 7 to 8 feet and approx 6 foot wide at the top. Great for a wet area if ya have one. Will dry it right up. Fast growing too.

Thanks for all your ideas!!