Question
I noticed what looked like fungus or mold on my pussywillow bush, but when I examined it closer it was a patch of tiny little bugs.  When I took a stick and poked at them they came off easily and what looked like blood smeared everywhere.  Do you have any idea what they are and are they harmful to my crop.  It is fall and the leaves are a starting to fall and the buds starting to emerge.


Answer
Jane, Without seeing the insects first hand I can't tell you what they are. However I can tell you that there are many types of insects that feed on tree's and just as many good bugs that feed on bad bugs. You will know if they are affecting your tree if it shows signs of damage such as eaten leaves, stippled color of the leaves or just plain lack of vigor. If you notice any symptoms next season I would use an earth friendly, broad spectrum killer like Neem or Horticulture Oil to spray the plant weekly or bi-weekly until the symptoms are gone. It is important to spray multiple times even after you don't notice any bug activity because the culprit may be have off-spring in a different life stage that looks totally different than the adults that you most likely found. Good Luck!

              Regards, Gary Overton