Crepe Myrtle Bugs

Question

My crepe myrtle trees have black bugs that congregate together on different parts of the trees, usually at the base of the limbs. The black bugs are as big as ants. What are they and do they hurt my trees?

Answer 1

There are a few bugs that do this. Fortunately, they are all treated the same way. I personally like to use neem oil (https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm) but any standard pesticide will work on them.