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insects on crabapple

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From: L K Dworkin City: Gurnee, IL
Hi- I have a crabapple tree in my back yard. I have found these white furry looking insects a little larger than a flea, congregating on the branches only. I believe the furry things are the larvae. I have found ant-like looking creatures underneath the tree where the larvae had dropped. Also, the leaves at the ends of the branches where the larvae are are turning yellow. The tree is also surrounded by hornet/bees. What are these things and how do I get rid of them?
	Extension Message From: James Schuster Horticulturist and Plant Pathologist (Retired) schuster@illinois.edu
Based on your information, my belief is that your tree has wooly aphids, the ants are collecting the honeydew these insects drop. The honeydew will also draw the hornets. Many woolly aphids can suck enough sap out of a branch that the leaves at the end of the branch begin to yellow and die because they are not getting enough nutrients and water. Use insecticidal soap to knock them down in numbers. Also it may be to late to save the yellowing leaves.
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