Sticky Mess - Aphids!

Aphids have infested our walnut tree. What a sticky mess! Everything under the tree is sticky and covered black soot. Yuck! Any suggestions on the fastest and most effective way to get rid of them? Also, what is safest way to wash the sticky sap off of the plants that are under the tree?

Thanks

I use dishwashing liquid soap diluted to about one tablespoon per quart of water and spray them with it. Be sure you wet the stems and under the leaves as they tend to hide in there.
You may have to do it more than once it they are really bad, I usually do it two or three days in a row, if they are really thick, but it will kill them, they turn black and die.
Good luck, spraying the tree may be harder, but I guess you could do it with a garden hose sprayer.
Josephine.

Josephine,

Thanks for the great tip about the garden hose sprayer - it made the job a lot easier. Plus, we didn't have to go out and buy a sprayer.

Thanks again,

You are welcome, I hope you were able to reduce your aphid population.
Josephine.