little green critters

[aprilconnett]

The tree right by my front door is shedding little green critters. They are about the size of a pin head and are neon green. I didn't notine them until yesterday. I set a tub if potting soil under the tree and within five minutes it was covered. I had also put out seedlings to harden off and they were on that side of the deck. I had to give them a thorough rinsing before they could come back into the house. Are these aphids? I always thought aphids were even smaller than these things. how do I keep them from migrating to the whole garden?

[kawalekm]

Sounds like aphids. Do you also see any ants associated with them? Ants like to herd aphids the same way cowboys like to herd cattle. Use insecticidal soap on them. An aphid infestation can get bad enough to deform the trees leaves, and stunt the growth of the tree!
Michael

[aprilconnett]

I wondered if they were aphids. I always thought aphids were smaller than that. As for the ants, the entire property is overrun withe %@&* things!