Desert willow bark(?) bugs

I live in southern NM & have more that 16 desert willows in my yard. They have been here for at least 10 years. Recently, I noticed what looked like mud on their bark. When I brushed it off, I saw thousands of very tiny, dark bugs. Should I be worried? If so, what should I use on them?

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1 Comment To "Desert willow bark(?) bugs"

#1 Comment By Downtoearthdigs On 09/25/2017 @ 8:01 pm

The black on the bark is likely Sooty Mold, which is generally caused by a Scale or Aphid pest.
I would treat them with Neem Oil.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm ^[1]
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm ^[2]

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[1] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/pesticides/neem-oil-uses.htm

[2] https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/how-to-get-rid-of-sooty-mold.htm

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