Substance dripping from canopy trees keeping car washes busy

The bugs feed on plant sap and excrete the excess, producing the honeydew substance. The excretion accumulates on vehicles, sidewalks, streets, decks, and outdoor furniture.

“It’s often associated with trees like maples, elms, and lindens,” Ponitowski said. “They’re particularly susceptible to the aphid infestations.”

That means many of the canopy trees found in cities across the province are more susceptible to those types of bugs, which leads to more excretion making its way onto public streets and sidewalks. This year seems to have produced a more significant amount of honeydew, and Ponitowski said the levels vary each year depending on the aphid population.

Some areas in the past have released ladybugs in the past to control the population of aphids. Ponitowski said that can be helpful, but the honeydew issue can still be a problem from time to time.

The only thing residents can do is wait out the aphid situation as the summer winds down.

“The best advice is to avoid parking under the heavily affected trees, if possible.”

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Substance dripping from canopy trees keeping car washes busy

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