Question From: T. F. - Johns Island, South Carolina, United States
Q: There was a similar question regarding ivy that was spraying sap everywhere... Mine, too. I've noticed a white cocoon that are empty, they've gotten out, on a few leaves, and small (about 1/3 the head of a pin sized) but not many on a few leaves. The sap is mostly on the brick wall, but curiously, too, the sap has exuded out onto the leaves, mostly on the lower third of the plant. I thought it was from over-watering, which I did because it faces West and gets pretty hot in the terrace, over 95F, some afternoons. Individual leaves appear to lose water first, dessicated but still green; the veins stand out, then after about 7-10 days, wilt (lose their turgor), and then dry up along with the entire branch. The vine seems stressed by the summer heat, for sure, but what's the insect and how can I get rid of it? Pic14 - The sap on the wall Pic15 - Browning leaf Pic16 - The white egg sac on a leaf.
(Click Images To View Larger Versions)
Sap is given off by aphids, some types of scale and white flies. All are sucking insects. You probably have them all. Spraying the ivy with a very stiff stream of water every 3 days for a couple of weeks should take care of the aphids and white flies. Scale - bumps on the stems, need to be sprayed in spring. Neem oil will also work for aphids and white flies. Be sure to follow up every 3 to 4 days for a couple of weeks and do get under the leaves. Best And Happy Yardening, Nancy
