Black Fly On Elder

Question

I have a large purple elder (10M plus) which is infested with black fly. How do I get rid of it? Spraying is out of the question.

Answer 1

Could it be black aphids with wings? Have you tried knocking them off with a stream of water?

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/homemade-aphid-control.htm