Giant Willow Aphid

You can increase the number of natural predators by using no pesticides and even order them online. Providing cover and nesting areas for birds can be a great help. The little bushtits do a great job on aphids.
Specifically for aphids, the first method of attack is spraying them off your plants with a jet of water. Ants are aphid ranchers and will not only protect aphids from predators but actually move them from place to place as a human rancher moves livestock from pasture to pasture. Controlling ants is another method of aphid control.
The ant stakes work well and it's the only pesticide, other than Bt and such natural ones that I would recommend. Using Tanglefoot or other such sticky substances at the base of plants is a way to block access to the plants. That w... read moreay the ants can't protect or move the aphids.

I believe this aphid was on my weeping willow tree last summer. It is soft bodied with wings but I dont see them fly only walk and when squished emit a very rust color that actually stained my fingers. They only stay on the branches or trunk. I sprayed several times with soapy water, crushed garlic and some cayenne pepper. but, they are persistent and would reappear after about a week. If you dont inspect the tree carefully you might miss them but they will suck the life out of the branch they are on. any other suggestions to get rid of these pests??