Insect Treatment for Flowering Cherry Tree

Physically Removing Pests

Physically remove insects that feed on flowering cherry trees. For example, aphids, which are small, pear-shaped insects that harbor on the underside of leaves, can be removed by spraying with a garden hose. Bag worms or caterpillars can be picked off the leaves with your fingers and thrown into a bucket of soapy water so they do not return. Sticky red ball traps can be hung in trees to capture insects. Sometimes pheromone capsules can be placed in the trap to help lure insects. When the plant is damaged extensively by disease, it may be better to remove the infected section.

Remove insects from flowering cherry trees or other plants with a strategy called biorational or assisting the help of their natural enemies. For example, lady beetles eat aphids and other insects. Sometimes, tree owners may attract these insects with pheromone capsules to encourage them to feed on harmful insects. Another biorational method uses a bacterium called Bacillus thuringiensis or Bt, which is developed naturally. This makes a protein that is poisonous to many bothersome insects, but not to people or other insects or animals. The bacterium can be sprayed on plants and some insects can be killed when they ingest it.

Apply pesticides such as horticultural oil or insecticidal soap to your flowering cherry tree if nothing else works in removing insects. Try using the least toxic pesticide first before moving on to the harsher ones. Some pesticides may need to be mixed prior to applying and you should read the manufacturer's direction on them first before using. Always apply the pesticide when the pest is the most susceptible. Apply only to the areas affected on the plant.

Using pesticides to get rid of insects may be damaging to the plant and could cause it to be unusable. Pesticides can also be harmful to plants, animals, people and the environment, so they should be used as little as possible. Always wear a mask and cover your skin completely when applying a pesticide to a plant, so it does not harm you. Do not spray the pesticide on a windy day and always keep records on when and where you used it.