Q. We have a large Tulip Tree, about 25 years old. For the first time we have a fly infestation on the tree and all over the driveway and cars. We powerwashed the drive, etc. but to no avail. Are flies attracted to Tulip trees? There seems to be no other attraction for them except the tree. Thanks for your attention. Geoffrey Geiger – Forked River, New Jersey
A. A shout out to my home state! Tulip trees or Tulip Poplars often harbor aphids – tiny sap sucking insects that excrete what is euphemistically called “honeydew”. Well they digest the proteins and sugars from the tree sap and there is often left over sugar in their excrement. This drips on the leaves of the tree and anything below it like driveways and cars. You know the saying: “like flies to sugar”. If you control the aphids in your trees you will solve the problem. You will probably need to contract out a professional tree service that has the proper equipment to spray large trees.