I have mealybugs outdoors, they have already decimated a huge grape leaf hydrangea, now they are on a cutleaf Japanese maple tree. The problem is that the maple is right next to my koi pond. I have cut off the leaves with the most bugs, but there are still hundreds. Any suggestions on what would get rid of these pests in time to save the tree, but not harm the fish?
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Greetings Devans,
We had a Japanese maple on our property (this was over 12 years ago) and it was an absolutely beautiful tree. Fabulous fall color too. We wish we still had one!
My wife and I were talking about your post, and, in our humble opinion, you should do whatever it takes to get rid of the infestation and protect your tree. Especially if you value the tree as much as we would. Above all, it is YOUR decision as to what is most valuable to YOU--tree or koi.
Perhaps you can move the koi to another area in the meantime? Besides, they are probably more easily replaceable than the tree should it come to "either/or."
We were thinking, maybe you could keep the koi in some of those cheap plastic trays used for mixing concrete? They're pretty good size and I think they're about 5 bucks each. Or something like that, use your imagination.
Best of luck on the mealybugs--and your strategy,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
We had a Japanese maple on our property (this was over 12 years ago) and it was an absolutely beautiful tree. Fabulous fall color too. We wish we still had one!
My wife and I were talking about your post, and, in our humble opinion, you should do whatever it takes to get rid of the infestation and protect your tree. Especially if you value the tree as much as we would. Above all, it is YOUR decision as to what is most valuable to YOU--tree or koi.
Perhaps you can move the koi to another area in the meantime? Besides, they are probably more easily replaceable than the tree should it come to "either/or."
We were thinking, maybe you could keep the koi in some of those cheap plastic trays used for mixing concrete? They're pretty good size and I think they're about 5 bucks each. Or something like that, use your imagination.
Best of luck on the mealybugs--and your strategy,
-k2 in CO
Moderator, Miscellaneous Forum
http://www.bobvila.com/BBS/Miscellaneous
